The myth of Prometheus, who gifted humanity with fire, a symbol of knowledge and technology, feels more relevant than ever in today’s age of AI. Inspired by this relevance, I set forth my latest project: “Prometheus Bound,” a philosophy club exploring the intersection of ancient Greek thought and the ethics of modern technological achievements.

Why Prometheus, and Why Now?

The parallels between the Promethean gift of fire and our current AI revolution are, in my mind, apparent. Both represent transformative technologies with the power to reshape society. Both come with immense potential benefits and unforeseen consequences. As we wrestle with AI’s societal and ethical implications, we can gain valuable insights by examining this ancient cautionary tale.

The Club

“Prometheus Bound” is a year-long study of the history of human thought, tracing the thread that connects ancient Greek philosophy to today’s cutting-edge technologies. Over the course of 30 sessions, we will explore: 1. The transition from mythos to logos, or how early Greek thinkers laid the groundwork for scientific inquiry, 2. The evolution of logic and computation, from Aristotle’s “Organon” to modern AI algorithms, and 3. The societal and ethical challenges posed by the rapidly advancing technology of AI.

We’ll engage with a range of diverse texts, from Aeschylus’ “Prometheus Bound” to contemporary works on AI ethics by thinkers like Nick Bostrom. Through guided discussions and dialectics, we will pose questions about the nature of knowledge, the responsibilities that come with technological power, and the future of humanity in an AI-driven world.

Connecting the Prometheus Bound Club to the STEAM Vision

This philosophy club represents another facet of the ongoing mission to integrate the arts and humanities with STEM education. By examining AI through the lens of philosophy, logic, and ethics, we are creating an interdisciplinary space for learning and reflection.

Ancient Greek playwrights used mythology to wrestle with the big existential, societal, and ethical questions of their time. In the same way, we will study “Prometheus Bound,” as the questions raised by Prometheus’ gift of fire are the same ones we face with AI today. How do we harness the power of technology responsibly? What are the consequences of our creations? And ultimately, what does it mean to be human in an age of intelligent machines?

Who Should Join?

“Prometheus Bound” is designed for curious minds from all backgrounds. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a philosophy buff, or simply someone concerned about the future of AI, this club offers a unique opportunity to engage with these critical issues. No prior knowledge of Greek philosophy or computer science is required - just a willingness to think deeply and engage in respectful dialogue.

The goal is for this club to foster meaningful conversations about technology and ethics. As AI continues to reshape our world, it is crucial that we create spaces for thoughtful reflection and debate. The “Prometheus Bound” philosophy club will meet every Monday evening from October 21, 2024, to June 30, 2025, at the THESPIS Theater in Astoria, NY.

If you are intrigued by the intersection of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology, I invite you to join us.