Epimethean Man: A Modern Frankenstein

• In Event: Death, Hope, and Educational Frankensteins: Biocapital and Domestic Thinkeries

Abstract

This paper will assist in helping to draw attention to and also make more accessible Ivan Illich’s concept of Epimethean man. By analyzing such work through the lens of critical theory and critical pedagogy with aims to expand into ecopedagogy, social justice struggles, and critical media literacy the qualities of Epimethean man will be clarified and applied to specific examples in education, philosophy, and politics. Beginning with a critical reading of Frankenstein: A Modern Prometheus will illustrate the role of understanding how death relates to our contemporary global situation that is increasingly being labeled as monstrous. Illich’s own comments about epimetheanism as a philosophical concept will draw a wider boundary around epimetheanism fro scholar, educators, and philosphers to apply.

Author

• Joseph D. Todd, Montclair State University