Mimesis and Science: Empirical Research on Imitation and the Mimetic Theory of Culture and Religion (Studies in Violence, Mimesis & Culture)

This exciting compendium brings together, for the first time, some of the foremost scholars of René 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 8 Preface 10 Chapter 1: Human Imitation: Historical, Philosophical, and Scientific Perspectives / Scott R. Garrels 14 Part 1: Imitation in Child Development and Adult Psychology 52 Chapter 2: From Universal Mimesis to the Self Formed by Desire / Jean-Michel Oughourlian 54 Chapter 3: Out of the Mouths of Babes: Imitation, Gaze, and Intentions in Infant Research - the "Like Me" Framework / Andrew N. Meltzoff 68 Chapter 4: Emotions and Mimesis / Paul Dumouchel 88 Chapter 5: The Two Sides of Mimesis: Mimetic Theory, Embodied Simulation, and Social Identification / Vittorio Gallese 100 Part 2: Imitation in Human Evolution, Culture, and Religion 122 Chapter 6: Imitation, Communion, and Culture / Ann Cale Kruger 124 Chapter 7: Imitation and Violence: Empirical Evidence and the Mimetic Model / Mark R. Anspach 142 Chapter 8: Sacred Violence, Mimetic Rivalry, and War / Melvin Konner 168 Chapter 9: Desire, Mimesis, and the Phylogeny of Freedom / William B. Hurlbut 188 Chapter 10: Naturalizing Mimetic Theory / Jean-Pierre Dupuy 206 Chapter 11: Mimesis and Science: An Interview with Rene Girard / Scott R. Garrels 228 Contributors 268 Index 274 psychology,General,Cognitive Psychology & Cognition,Science,Philosophy & Social Aspects,Social Science,Violence in Society 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 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. Edited By Scott R. Garrels. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.