René Girard

Description: (French Polymath, Historian and Philosopher of Social Science)

René Girard was a French philosopher of social science, historian, anthropologist, educator, and author. Labeled as the "most compelling Catholic thinker of the age,'' he propounded the "mimetic theory," through which he expounded a comprehensive view on the anthropology of religion. A renowned literary critic, Girard had authored nearly 30 books that reflected his thinking on disciplines such as anthropology, theology, psychology, mythology, sociology, economics, cultural studies, philosophy, history, and biblical hermeneutics. Girard had been a pioneer in the field of the epistemological and ethical systems of desire. Over the years, he had developed theories related to “mimetic desire” and Judeo-Christian scriptures. He had provided a critical view of the Oedipus complex and the “scapegoat mechanism.” He believed that specific conflicts could be solved to an extent through his theories but had always professed Catholic beliefs as the best way to prevent violence. Despite Girard’s distinguished career, contemporary philosophers have marginalized his works due to the lack of any specific disciplinary affiliation. On the contrary, theologians still second his thoughts and acknowledge his commitment to Christianity.

Overview

Birthday December 25, 1923 (Capricorn)
Born In France
Alternative names René Noël Théophile Girard
Height 178 cm
Died on November 4, 2015
Spouse/Ex- Martha Girard (m. ?–2015)
Parents Joseph Girard
Marie-Thérèse Fabre de Loye
Relatives Antoine, Henri, Marie, Marthe

Did you know

What is René Girard's mimetic theory? René Girard's mimetic theory is a concept that suggests humans imitate the desires and behaviors of others, leading to conflict and competition.
How did René Girard influence the field of literary criticism? René Girard's ideas on mimetic desire and scapegoating have had a significant impact on literary criticism, particularly in understanding the themes of rivalry, sacrifice, and redemption in literature.
What is René Girard's perspective on violence in society? René Girard believed that violence is a result of mimetic desire and the scapegoating mechanism, where conflicts escalate due to imitation of others' desires and the need to blame a scapegoat for societal unrest.
How does René Girard's theory of the sacred and the profane relate to religion? René Girard's theory posits that religions often emerge from the scapegoating mechanism, where a victim is blamed for societal issues and eventually deified, leading to the creation of sacred rituals and beliefs.
What is the significance of René Girard's concept of the scapegoat? René Girard's concept of the scapegoat highlights how individuals and societies often blame a sacrificial victim to alleviate conflicts and maintain social order, shedding light on the origins of violence and collective behavior.
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