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.
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Mimetic Desire and Lack of Being
- Girard's core idea is mimetic desire, where we borrow desires from others.
- This leads to a lack of being, a search for self-sufficiency outside ourselves.
Human Violence and Mimesis
- Girard differentiates violence from animalistic aggression.
- Human violence stems from excessive imitation and a lack of instinctual breaks.
The Scapegoat Mechanism and the Sacred
- Girard suggests societies regulate violence by scapegoating a victim.
- This victim, wrongly blamed for the crisis, becomes divinized, forming the sacred.
