René Girard and Western Philosophy - Part 2: Girard and Philosophy
Jan 23, 2025
auto_awesome
Andreas Wilmes, a philosophy lecturer and expert on René Girard, dives into the philosopher's intricate theories on human desire, violence, and identity. He examines Girard's connections to Western thinkers like Plato and Machiavelli, offering insights into the neglect of violence in philosophical discourse. The conversation highlights Girard's analogical thinking and critiques of political interpretations, while also anticipating future volumes on philosophical themes. Wilmes encourages a fresh engagement with Girard's ideas within the broader context of philosophy.
The podcast emphasizes René Girard's critique of Western philosophy for neglecting the violent origins of human culture and relationships.
It explores Girard's assertion that poetics, particularly in biblical texts, reveals truths about human desire and violence overlooked by traditional philosophy.
Deep dives
The Aims of Girard's Philosophy in Context
The podcast focuses on the three primary aims of the volume co-edited by Andreas Filmus and George A. Dunn, which explores René Girard's perspective within the Western philosophical tradition. Firstly, the text seeks to clarify and expand upon Girard's often brief and enigmatic remarks regarding various philosophers, like St. Augustine and Plato, and their relationship to his theories. Secondly, the volume critically assesses the historical evolution of Western philosophy, engaging with figures such as Spinoza and Kant, while also presenting chapters that support Girard's interpretations. Lastly, the work aims to investigate how key philosophical figures may enhance or complement Girard's insights, particularly in fields such as politics and economics.
Girard's Unique Position Among Philosophers
The discussion delves into the complexities of Girard's classification as a philosopher, noting that he himself did not identify as one but rather embraced roles as a historian and social scientist. His early work, rooted in a phenomenological style, showcases a critical stance towards philosophy, arguing that it fails to achieve the 'conversion' necessary for understanding human relationships and desires. The podcast highlights Girard's unique approach to triangular desire and his contention that philosophical discourse operates on a level that overlooks the violent origins inherent in human culture. This distinction emphasizes the need to approach his writings with an understanding of their broader implications beyond standard philosophical frameworks.
Critiques of Western Philosophy
Girard's critiques of Western philosophy are illuminated through two main lenses: the dismissal of mimetic conflict and the inability to address humanity's violent origins. While Girard posits that Western philosophers largely ignore the complexities of imitation, this perspective is challenged as the podcast reveals that many philosophers, including Spinoza and Rousseau, have engaged with similar themes of desire and imitation. The second and more significant critique is the assertion that philosophy fails to confront the violent foundations of human society, which Girard believes underlies the development of culture. This failure to acknowledge and explore violence is seen as a limitation of philosophical thought, reinforcing Girard's claim that philosophy is an extension of the sacred rather than an independent inquiry.
The Role of Poetics in Girard's Thought
The conversation addresses the concept of poetics within Girard's work, depicting it as a method that can access truths obscured by philosophical discourse. Through examining language and metaphor, Girard argues that poetics, especially in biblical texts, reinstates awareness of the violent origins of humanity, suggesting that metaphors serve as crucial tools for understanding deeper truths. This contrasts sharply with philosophical approaches that aim for coherence while neglecting the chaotic realities of human behavior and sacrifice. The emphasis on language's dual function—both as a means of understanding and as a potential barrier—positions poetics as a vital aspect of Girard's intellectual legacy, challenging traditional philosophical norms.
Andreas Wilmes completed his PhD in philosophy at the Paris Descartes
University. He is a lecturer at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University
(Budapest, Hungary) and editor-in-chief of the Philosophical Journal of
Conflict and Violence. Book link: https://msupress.org/9781611864953/rene-girard-and-the-western-philosophical-tradition-volume-1/ Journal link: https://trivent-publishing.eu/32-philosophical-journal-of-conflict-and-violence-pjcv --- Become part of the Hermitix community: Hermitix Twitter - / hermitixpodcast
