René Girard's Mimetic Theory

A systematic introduction into mimetic theory, this essential text explains the three main pillars of the theory, mimetic desire, the scapegoat mechanism and the Biblical "difference," with the help of examples from literature and philosophy. This book examines life and work of René Girard, showing how much his theories result from existential and spiritual insights into one's own mimetic entanglements. It looks at broader implications of his theories such as the relationship between scapegoating and capital punishment or mimetic aspect of sovereignty. This book also places Girard's theory within the context of current cultural and political debates like terrorism, gender issues and death penalty.