Mimesis and science : empirical research on imitation and the mimetic theory of culture and religion / edited by Scott R. Garrels.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Garrels, Scott R.

Series:

Studies in violence, mimesis, and culture

Studies in violence, mimesis, and culture series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Imitation.

Physical Description:

xii, 266 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

East Lansing : Michigan State University Press, [2011]

Summary:

This exciting compendium brings together, for the first time, some of the foremost scholars of Rene Girard's mimetic theory, with leading imitation researchers from the cognitive, developmental, and neuro sciences. These chapters explore some of the major discoveries and developments concerning the foundational, yet previously overlooked, role of imitation in human life, revealing the unique theoretical links that can now be made from the neural basis of social interaction to the structure and evolution of human culture and religion. Together, mimetic scholars and imitation researchers are on the cutting edge of some of the most important breakthroughs in understanding the distinctive human capacity for both incredible acts of empathy and compassion as well as mass antipathy and violence. As a result, this interdisciplinary volume promises to help shed light on some of the most pressing and complex questions of our contemporary world.

Contents:

Human imitation: historical, philosophical, and scientific perspectives / Scott R. Garrels

From universal mimesis to the self formed by desire / Jean-Michel Oughourlian

Out of the mouths of babes: imitation, gaze, and intentions in infant research

the "like me" framework / Andrew N. Meltzoff

Emotions and mimesis / Paul Dumouchel

The two sides of mimesis: mimetic theory, embodied simulation, and social identification / Vittorio Gallese

Imitation, communion, and culture / Ann Cale Kruger

Imitation and violence: empirical evidence and the mimetic model / Mark R. Anspach

Scared violence, mimetic rivalry, and war / Melvin Konner

Desire, mimesis, and the phylogeny of freedom / William B. Hurlbut

Naturalizing mimetic theory / Jean-Pierre Dupuy

Mimesis and science: an interview with René Girard / Scott R. Garrels.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781611860238

1611860237

OCLC:

707023024