Prometheus, courage or temerity?

A historical-literary analysis from the aristotellian perspective of virtues ethics

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the myth of Prometheus, created by Hesiod in the 7th century BC and present in works such as Theogony and Works and Days, under the Aristotelian vision of virtue ethics, in order to answer the question: Prometheus was a daredevil or indeed courageous man? To this end, the work is based on the reading of Aristotle's main work on ethics, namely Nicomachean Ethics, and the aforementioned works of Hesiod, in which it is possible to perceive the emblematic figure of the fire thief. Although the two authors are located in different temporary spaces, the aim is to carry out an analysis comparing these nuances of looking between distant historical periods, considering the thematic focus of ethics, specifically; Thus, the work proposes to bring together the two writings. The article is structured with an introduction, through which important concepts about literature and its relevance for the formation of societies are recalled; and with three subsequent sections, the first dealing with the concepts of vices and virtues for Aristotle; the second deals with one of these virtues, courage, and seeks to expose the two vices linked to it: cowardice and temerity; and the third section that finally sets out to answer the primary question: Prometheus, reckless or courageous? It is hoped that this work will be able to provoke reflections on the ethics of virtues and how they present themselves in literature and in concrete life.