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Crisis of Faith: Exploring Violence, Mimesis, and Culture

Hugo Cox

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Published in Economy And The Future: A Crisis Of Faith (Studies In Violence Mimesis Culture)

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Table of Contents

Violence and Mimesis

The Concept of Mimesis
Violence as Mimesis

Crisis of Faith

The Loss of Belief
The Rise of Violence

Culture and Violence

The Influence of Culture
Culture as a Product of Violence

In the face of rampant violence and waning faith, the book Crisis of Faith: Studies in Violence, Mimesis, Culture offers a profound and timely exploration of the complex interconnections between these phenomena. This comprehensive work delves into the nature of violence, the role of imitation in its perpetuation, and the cultural factors that contribute to its prevalence.

Economy and the Future: A Crisis of Faith (Studies in Violence, Mimesis & Culture)

by Gloria Saddler-Reed

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	718 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	187 pages

Violence and Mimesis

The book begins by examining the concept of mimesis, or imitation. Mimesis is not simply the copying of an action but a process of re-enactment and re-interpretation. Through mimesis, individuals and societies internalize and perpetuate patterns of behavior, including violence.

The Concept of Mimesis

Philosophers and scholars from Plato to René Girard have theorized about the role of mimesis in human behavior. For Plato, mimesis was a dangerous form of representation that could lead to the corruption of society. Girard, on the other hand, saw mimesis as a fundamental aspect of human nature and the driving force behind violence.

Violence as Mimesis

Violence, in this view, is not a random or isolated act but a mimetic repetition of previously witnessed or experienced acts of violence. Individuals and groups learn to emulate violent behavior through observation and imitation, creating a cycle of violence that perpetuates itself.

Crisis of Faith

The book goes on to explore the crisis of faith that has characterized modern society. As traditional religious beliefs have declined, individuals have lost a sense of meaning and purpose. This loss of faith has created a vacuum that has been filled, in part, by violence.

The Loss of Belief

The decline of religious faith has led to a loss of moral and ethical anchors. Without a shared sense of absolute values, individuals and societies are more likely to engage in violent behavior. Religious beliefs can provide a framework for understanding the world and our place in it; without this framework, we become more susceptible to the forces of violence.

The Rise of Violence

The crisis of faith has coincided with a rise in violence on both a personal and global scale. The book examines a wide range of violent acts, from individual acts of aggression to state-sponsored terrorism. It analyzes the factors that contribute to violence, including poverty, inequality, and the spread of extremist ideologies.

Culture and Violence

Finally, the book considers the role of culture in shaping and perpetuating violence. Culture is not simply a collection of beliefs and practices but a complex web of meanings and values that influence our behavior.

The Influence of Culture

Culture can glorify violence, making it appear acceptable or even desirable. For example, cultures that emphasize military prowess or revenge may encourage individuals to resort to violence as a means of resolving conflicts. Similarly, cultures that demonize certain groups of people may create an environment in which violence against those groups is tolerated or even encouraged.

Culture as a Product of Violence

Conversely, culture can also be a product of violence. Violent experiences can shape our beliefs, values, and understanding of the world. The book explores how cultures that have been subjected to violence may develop coping mechanisms that perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Crisis of Faith: Studies in Violence, Mimesis, Culture is essential reading for anyone who seeks to understand the complex and multifaceted nature of violence in the modern world. Through its interdisciplinary approach, this book provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this global crisis.

Economy and the Future: A Crisis of Faith (Studies in Violence, Mimesis & Culture)

by Gloria Saddler-Reed

4.4 out of 5