René Girard, Mimesis, and Conflict (with Cynthia Haven)
Digest
This episode of Econ Talk features a conversation with Cynthia Haven, author of "Evolution of Desire: A Life of René Girard," about the life and ideas of the French theorist. Girard's unconventional academic career, which spanned history, anthropology, and literary theory, is discussed, along with his central concept of mimesis, or imitation, which he argued is a fundamental driver of human behavior. Haven highlights Girard's view that mimesis leads to conflict and violence, as individuals compete for the same desires and objects. The episode delves into Girard's theory of scapegoating, where individuals or groups are blamed for societal problems, often leading to violence. Haven explains how Girard saw religion, particularly Christianity, as a force for improving human relations through the concept of forgiveness. The episode concludes with a reflection on Girard's legacy and the challenges of achieving forgiveness in a world rife with conflict and division.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast Econ Talk and its host, Russ Roberts, along with the guest, Cynthia Haven, an author and scholar specializing in the work of René Girard.
René Girard's Life and Career
This Chapter delves into the life and career of René Girard, highlighting his unconventional academic journey, his early influences, and his eventual arrival at Stanford University. It also explores his interdisciplinary approach to scholarship, encompassing history, anthropology, and literary theory.
Girard's Concept of Mimesis
This Chapter focuses on Girard's central concept of mimesis, or imitation, and its role in shaping human desire and behavior. Haven explains Girard's view that all desire is a desire for being, meaning that we long to be someone or something else, leading to competition and conflict.
Mimesis and Conflict
This Chapter explores the connection between mimesis and conflict, arguing that imitation inevitably leads to rivalry and tension as individuals strive to be like those they admire or envy. The chapter uses examples from literature and everyday life to illustrate this dynamic.
Girard's Theory of Scapegoating
This Chapter examines Girard's theory of scapegoating, where individuals or groups are blamed for societal problems, often leading to violence. Haven explains how Girard saw religion, particularly in archaic societies, as a way of controlling violence through the ritual sacrifice of a scapegoat.
Christianity and Forgiveness
This Chapter explores Girard's view of Christianity as a force for improving human relations through the concept of forgiveness. Haven discusses how Girard saw the crucifixion of Jesus as a powerful example of the scapegoat's innocence, challenging the traditional view of the scapegoat as guilty.
The Challenge of Forgiveness
This Chapter delves into the challenges of achieving forgiveness in a world rife with conflict and division. Haven discusses the difficulty of relinquishing hatred and rivalry, and the importance of recognizing our own flaws and the ways in which we may have been persecutors.
Recognizing Ourselves as Persecutors
This Chapter explores Girard's assertion that recognizing oneself as a persecutor is a key step towards forgiveness. Haven shares a story about Girard's response to a question about the success of his theories, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and acknowledging our own capacity for cruelty.
Conclusion
This Chapter concludes the episode with a personal reflection on Girard's legacy and the impact of his ideas. Haven shares her memories of Girard as a person, highlighting his gentleness, humor, and transformative insights.
Keywords
René Girard
René Girard (1923-2015) was a French philosopher, literary critic, and anthropologist known for his theories on mimetic desire, scapegoating, and the role of religion in human society. His work has influenced scholars in various fields, including anthropology, sociology, literary theory, and theology. Girard's most influential works include "Violence and the Sacred" (1972), "Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World" (1978), and "The Scapegoat" (1986).
Mimesis
Mimesis, a key concept in Girard's work, refers to the process of imitation. Girard argued that humans are fundamentally imitative beings, and that our desires are often shaped by the desires of others. This mimetic desire, he believed, leads to competition and conflict as individuals strive to possess the same objects or achieve the same status as those they admire or envy.
Scapegoating
Scapegoating is a social phenomenon where individuals or groups are blamed for societal problems or misfortunes. Girard argued that scapegoating is a recurring theme throughout human history, and that it often leads to violence as the scapegoat is punished for the sins of the community. He saw scapegoating as a way of controlling violence in archaic societies, but also as a dangerous and destructive force that can lead to injustice and suffering.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a central theme in Girard's work, particularly in relation to his theory of scapegoating. He argued that forgiveness is the only way to break the cycle of violence and conflict that is fueled by mimetic desire and scapegoating. Girard saw Christianity as a powerful force for promoting forgiveness, as it recognizes the innocence of the scapegoat and calls for a radical shift in human relationships.
Imitation
Imitation is a fundamental aspect of human behavior, and Girard argued that it plays a crucial role in shaping our desires, beliefs, and actions. He saw imitation as both a source of creativity and innovation, but also as a potential source of conflict and violence. Girard's concept of mimesis highlights the interconnectedness of human beings and the ways in which we are influenced by the actions and desires of others.
Conflict
Conflict is a recurring theme in Girard's work, and he saw it as an inevitable consequence of mimetic desire. He argued that individuals and groups are constantly competing for the same desires and objects, leading to rivalry, tension, and violence. Girard's theory of scapegoating provides a framework for understanding how conflict can be channeled and controlled, but also how it can escalate into destructive forms of violence.
Violence
Violence is a central concern in Girard's work, and he saw it as a product of mimetic desire and scapegoating. He argued that violence is not simply a result of individual pathology, but rather a deeply ingrained aspect of human social life. Girard's theories offer a complex and nuanced understanding of the causes and consequences of violence, and the potential for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Religion
Religion plays a significant role in Girard's work, and he saw it as both a source of violence and a potential force for peace. He argued that religion, particularly in archaic societies, was often used to control violence through the ritual sacrifice of a scapegoat. However, Girard also saw Christianity as a unique and transformative religion that offered a path towards forgiveness and reconciliation.
Christianity
Girard saw Christianity as a powerful force for improving human relations through the concept of forgiveness. He argued that the crucifixion of Jesus was a pivotal moment in human history, as it revealed the innocence of the scapegoat and challenged the traditional view of the scapegoat as guilty. Girard believed that Christianity offered a radical shift in human relationships, moving beyond the cycle of violence and conflict towards a path of reconciliation and love.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a Jewish holiday that is observed with a 25-hour period of fasting and prayer. It is a day for introspection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from God and from others. Girard saw Yom Kippur as a personal expression of forgiveness, where individuals take responsibility for their own actions and seek to repair relationships that have been damaged.
Q&A
What is René Girard's central concept of mimesis, and how does it lead to conflict?
Girard's concept of mimesis, or imitation, suggests that humans are fundamentally imitative beings, and our desires are often shaped by the desires of others. This mimetic desire leads to competition and conflict as individuals strive to possess the same objects or achieve the same status as those they admire or envy.
How does Girard explain the role of scapegoating in human societies?
Girard argues that scapegoating, where individuals or groups are blamed for societal problems, is a recurring theme throughout human history. He sees it as a way of controlling violence in archaic societies, but also as a dangerous and destructive force that can lead to injustice and suffering.
What is Girard's view of Christianity and its role in promoting forgiveness?
Girard sees Christianity as a powerful force for improving human relations through the concept of forgiveness. He argues that the crucifixion of Jesus revealed the innocence of the scapegoat, challenging the traditional view of the scapegoat as guilty. This, he believes, offers a radical shift in human relationships, moving beyond the cycle of violence and conflict towards a path of reconciliation and love.
Why does Girard believe that recognizing oneself as a persecutor is crucial for forgiveness?
Girard believes that recognizing our own capacity for cruelty and injustice is essential for achieving forgiveness. By acknowledging our own flaws and the ways in which we may have been persecutors, we can better understand the experiences of others and develop empathy and compassion.
What is the challenge of achieving forgiveness in a world rife with conflict and division?
The challenge of achieving forgiveness lies in the difficulty of relinquishing hatred and rivalry, and the need to recognize our own flaws and the ways in which we may have been persecutors. It requires a deep commitment to self-reflection, empathy, and a willingness to break free from the cycle of violence and conflict.
How does Girard's work relate to the concept of the impartial spectator, as described by Adam Smith?
Both Girard and Smith emphasize the importance of self-reflection and the ability to step outside of our own self-interest to see ourselves as others see us. This impartial perspective, they argue, is essential for developing empathy, compassion, and the capacity for moral action.
What is the significance of Girard's statement, "We might begin with personal sanctity"?
Girard's statement highlights the importance of personal transformation and self-reflection as a starting point for addressing societal problems. He suggests that before seeking to change the world, we must first examine our own flaws, biases, and the ways in which we contribute to conflict and violence.
What is the significance of Girard's aphorism, "If you do not have a real religion, you end up with a more dreadful one"?
Girard's aphorism suggests that all humans have a need for meaning and purpose, and that this need can be fulfilled through religion or other belief systems. He warns that if we do not embrace a meaningful and ethical religion, we may be drawn to more destructive and harmful ideologies.
What is the significance of Girard's statement, "We do not come in peace"?
Girard's statement challenges the assumption of our own innocence and the belief that we are inherently peaceful beings. He suggests that we are all capable of violence and conflict, and that we must be aware of our own capacity for harm.
What is the significance of Girard's aphorism, "Only the most superficial forms of imitation are voluntary"?
Girard's aphorism highlights the unconscious and often involuntary nature of imitation. He suggests that we are deeply influenced by the actions and desires of others, even in ways that we are not consciously aware of. This underscores the importance of self-reflection and understanding the complex ways in which we are shaped by our social environment.
Show Notes
If you're always imitating others or aspiring to be something else, what's left of the "authentic" you? According to the French philosopher René Girard, not much: Nothing can be truly authentic, he argued--everything comes from somewhere else. This is just one of the many original and counterintuitive claims put forth in Girard's sweeping approach to human history. He argues it is sameness, not our difference that leads to conflict, and he sees religion as a way to contain the chaos as opposed to its first cause. Listen as Stanford University scholar Cynthia Haven speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about Girard's theories of desire and violence. The conversation also includes a discussion of the power of forgiveness to put a stop to conflict's rinse-and-repeat.
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