René Girard a jeho mimetická teorie společnosti jako možné východisko k nové sociologické teorii

Abstract

The presented article introduces René Girard’s thought, especially the main components of his mimetic theory of culture. The author identifies in Girard’s work two main lines of thought: firstly, the part which covers the psychosocial effects of mimetism on the micro-social level; secondly, the part which deals with the effects of mimetism on the macro-social level and with the impact it has on the genesis and preservation of social structure. The author further explicates Girard’s understanding of ritual, myth, the sacred victim, the sacred monarchy and the relation between religion and society in general. The final part of the article considers the potential inspiration and relevance of Girard’s work for sociological theory. The author argues that the primary task is now to examine the relation of Girard’s thought to Durkheim’s theory of society. He further suggests to take a new look (with the help of Girard’s work) at the old theoretical dispute between Émile Durkheim and Gabriel Tarde, and examine, to bridge the differences between Durkheim and Tarde. The author considers such step especially relevant since Girard’s thought is grounded in the Durkheimian tradition and – at the same time – Girard’s key concept of mimesis plays central role in Tarde’s sociology. This is the direction towards which the author intends to work further in his own research.