René Girard and Creative Mimesis
Contributions by Pablo Bandera, Christina Biava, Robin Collins, Robert Doran, Robert Doran, S.J., Emmett Doerr Chair of Theology, Marquette University, Joachim Duyndam, Patrick Imbert, André Lascaris, Richard McGuigan, Wolfgang Palaver, Andrew O'Shea, Nancy Popp, Petra Steinmair-Pösel, Martha Reineke, Thomas E. Reynolds, Francis Tobienne Edited by Vern Neufeld Redekop, Thomas Ryba
Publication date:
21 November 2013Length of book:
348 pagesPublisher
Lexington BooksDimensions:
233x161mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780739168981
For half a century René Girard’s theories of mimetic desire and scapegoating have captivated the imagination of thinkers and doers in many fields as an incisive look into the human condition, particularly the roots of violence. In a 1993 interview with Rebecca Adams, he highlighted the positive dimensions of mimetic phenomena without expanding on what they might be. Now, two decades later, this groundbreaking book systematically explores the positive side of mimetic theory in the context of the multi-faceted world of creativity. Several authors build on Adams’ insight that loving mimesis can be understood as desiring the subjectivity of the other, particularly when the other may be young or wounded. With highly nuanced arguments authors show how mimetic theory can be used to address child and adult development, including the growth of consciousness and a capacity to handle complexity. Mimetic theory is brought to bear on big questions about creativity in nature, evolutionary development, originality, and religious intrusion into politics.
This is a highly original multi-author volume about the work of René Girard in understanding openness, creativity and mutuality in relations with other people. Girard’s theory of desire posits ideal personhood as one’s ability to self-actualize through non-rivalry imitations of others without the need to dominate others in the process. Girard’s work is best known for his analysis of inter-subjective violence, but the authors here show the power of his thought to model deeply reciprocal, positive human relations. A must read for all students of Girard — as well as other readers interested in a joyous paradigm for healthy families and societies.