Nature (Phusis) and Freedom in Ancient Greek Myths

Abstract

Analysing the issue of freedom in ancient Greek thought can be possible by addressing the conception of nature. Freedom is, in any case, an ambiguous concept, and attempts to define it are therefore often examples of a onesided approach. There is no equivalent word for freedom in the language of the period in question, but this does not mean that freedom is not a problem there. Because in every context where there is interaction between people, freedom is something that is already there as a problematic. In this study, firstly, a summary of the narrative of the universe shaped by births in Ancient Greek myths was given. After mentioning the inclusion of man in this universe, the changes that occurred in man after Prometheus stole and delivered fire were evaluated in the context of freedom. Thus, the problematic of freedom in Ancient Greek myths in the context of the understanding of nature was determined. It is emphasised that freedom, whether divine or human, is registered with the conception of nature and it is argued that the problematic of freedom can only be addressed by evaluating the conception of 'nature' of the period.