Prometheus: Modern Technology in the Light of an Ancient Myth

"Like almost no other figure in Greek mythology, the Titan Prometheus has remained a source of inspiration and a role model over the centuries: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Karl Marx, and Elon Musk are just the most well-known examples. In the myth, Prometheus, the founder of civilization, stole fire from the gods and brought it to humanity, along with the most important technologies. Anyone who joins Jonas Grethlein on a journey through 2,500 years of intellectual history will be able to better understand the fascination of Prometheus and the world of today. As a philanthropist who rebelled against the authority of the gods, Prometheus has always been one of the most enigmatic figures of antiquity. He was celebrated as a hero of freedom who was himself chained and punished for his rebellion: An eagle devours his liver, which constantly regenerates. His gift of technology has proven, at least since the modern era, to be a double-edged sword that, in its unbridled form (the atomic bomb, cloning technology, AI), threatens humanity and the environment. And it was Prometheus who also brought work into the world. Jonas Grethlein weaves these three themes surrounding Prometheus—technology, freedom, labor—into an illuminating reflection on our present." [Publisher’s description of the book "Prometheus: The Power of a Myth. From Antiquity to Elon Musk" by Jonas Grethlein, scheduled for publication by C. H. Beck Verlag in September 2026.]   

Other program highlights:

• A message from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts
• Report from the Young Academy I HAdW
• President's Report
• Awards Ceremony