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Mimetic theory

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The mimetic theory of desire, an explanation of human behavior and culture, originated with the French historian, literary critic, and philosopher of social science René Girard (1923–2015). The name of the theory derives from the philosophical concept mimesis, which carries a wide range of meanings. In mimetic theory, mimesis refers to human desire, which Girard thought was not linear but the product of a mimetic process in which people imitate models who endow objects with value. Girard called this phenomenon "mimetic desire", and described mimetic desire as the foundation of his theory:"Man is the creature who does not know what to desire, and he turns to others in order to make up his mind. We desire what others desire because we imitate their desires."Mimetic theory has two main parts - the desire itself, and the resulting scapegoating. Girard's idea proposes that all desire is merely an imitation of another's desire, and the desire only occurs because others have deemed said object as worthwhile. This means that a desirable object is only desired because of societal ideas, and is not based on personal preference like most believe. The mimetic desire is triangular, based on the subject, model, and object. The subject mimics the model, and both desire the object. Subject and model thus form a rivalry which eventually leads to the scapegoat mechanism.

Mimetic theory - Wikipedia Jump to content From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Theory of human desire by René Girard Not to be confused with Memetic theory or Mimesis . Girard contends that scapegoating is what happened in the narrative of Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure in Christianity. Pictured is Schmerzensmann ( lit.   ' man of sorrows ' ), drypoint by Albrecht Dürer 1512 depicting Jesus Christ . Scapegoating serves as a psychological relief for a group of people. The mimetic theory of desire , an explanation of human behavior in relation to culture , originated with the Fren

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