Миметическая теория сегодня и ее будущее

Abstract

The article discusses in a first step the explanatory power of mimetic theory as René Girard has applied it himself and as many other scholars in different academic fields. Girard understood his approach as a hypothesis that must be proven. His scholarly attitude is underlined with two examples of self-correction that he undertook during the unfolding of his theory. Today also people outside academia show an increasing interest in mimetic theory. It has also become a helpful approach to explain the current stage of our world by the example of two books, which is discussed at the end of the first section of this article. The second and third parts address important roads for future research in mimetic theory. Girard’s scapegoat theory has recently been discussed with archeologists at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in Central Anatolia. This discussion as well as new research by primatologists may help to develop a more nuanced understanding of how an originary violence has shaped human culture. The second part of this article will refer to recent publications in this direction. The third and final part will explore possibilities for mimetic theory to reach beyond its usual focus on Judaism and Christianity. It recommends a closer connection with the axial age thesis and today’s world religion in general. It is important to note that Jewish as well as Muslim scholars have recently applied mimetic theory in their own works. I especially highlight Adnane Mokrani’s Islamic theology of nonviolence that he developed in dialogue with Girard’s approach. The dangerous stage of our current world necessitates an emphasis on nonviolence in the different religious and cultural traditions.