Hermitix
René Girard and Western Philosophy - Part 1: Girardian Basics
Jan 22, 2025
Andreas Wilmes, a philosophy lecturer and editor, dives into the foundational concepts of René Girard's thought. He dissects mimetic desire and its intersection with violence, offering fresh perspectives that challenge traditional psychoanalytic views. Wilmes highlights the 'founding murder' as a key element in societal conflict and critiques cultural violence, advocating for love to redefine sacredness. He also reflects on Girard's influence on Christian theology and examines the implications of technological advancements on our understanding of power and violence.
01:01:43
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Quick takeaways
- René Girard's concept of mimetic desire illustrates how human desire is imitative, leading to competition and potential societal violence.
- The transformation of sacrifice from a mechanism of violence to a model of love in Christianity redefines our understanding of collective guilt.
Deep dives
Foundations of Girardian Thought
René Girard's philosophy centers on the concepts of mimetic desire, violence, and the sacred. Mimetic desire suggests that human desire is not innate but borrowed from others, leading to competition and conflict. This interconnected nature of desires can cause societal violence, as individuals or groups vie for the same object of desire, resulting in what Girard calls the 'founding murder.' Understanding these foundational concepts provides a framework for exploring Girard's broader insights into mythology and sacrifice that inform human culture.
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