Prometheanism

Prometheanism is an environmentalist term popularized by the political theorist John Dryzek to describe a perspective which perceives the Earth as a resource whose utility is determined primarily by human needs and interests and whose environmental problems are overcome through human innovation. The term was introduced in Dryzek’s work, The Politics of the Earth: Environmental Discourses (1997). In contrast with other environmental perspectives, Prometheanism prioritizes human interests and needs over those of ecosystems (as with deep ecology) or the individual needs of creatures (as in eco-feminism).

In his 1992 book Green Delusions: An Environmentalist Critique of Radical Environmentalism, Martin Lewis offered one of the first systematic comparisons of how Promethean environmentalism differs from traditional Arcadian forms of environmentalism such as deep ecology.

wikipedia/en/Prometheanism

Prometheanism has two main interpretations: an environmental philosophy prioritizing human innovation to overcome natural limitations, and a political project by Poland’s Józef Piłsudski to support independence for nations subjugated by imperial Russia. The term derives from the Greek Titan Prometheus, who stole fire for humanity, embodying themes of human ingenuity, technological advancement, and challenging established power structures.
Environmental Prometheanism

• Definition: This perspective views the Earth as a resource to be utilized for human needs, believing that environmental problems can be solved through human innovation and technology.
• Key Idea: It contrasts with deep ecology, which prioritizes ecosystems, and emphasizes human interests and needs over those of the natural world.
• Context: The term was popularized by political theorist John Dryzek in his work The Politics of the Earth.

Political Prometheanism (Prometheism)

• Definition: This was a political strategy initiated by Józef Piłsudski to create a series of independent states from the peoples of the Baltic, Black, and Caspian Sea basins.
• Goal: To form a common defensive front against potential Russian aggression and to liberate these nations from imperialist rule.
• Historical Context: The movement gained and lost official support over time, but was often supported by officials within the Polish government and military.

General Thematic Elements

• Human Ingenuity: The core idea of Prometheanism, stemming from the myth of Prometheus, is human innovation, technological mastery, and the ability to overcome challenges.
• Confronting Limits: It involves a proactive stance of confronting perceived limits—whether natural or political—and striving to surpass them through human will and action.
• Critique: Some critics, such as philosopher Günther Anders, have used the term to describe a potentially problematic human tendency to outstrip our capacity to comprehend our own creations, leading to feelings of obsolescence and inadequacy.