|
|
|
|
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam > Blaise Pascal Instituut > Girard Studiekring > COV&R 2007 > Abstracts Papers
ALAN CORK
The Humanity of the Mediator: Vulnerability and Transformation in the Context of L'Arche
Email - Profile - Subtheme # 5 - Paper
ABSTRACT
My paper will explore the possibility that like Jesus some people with mental disabilities are ontologically innocent, in the sense of being constitutionally immune to the more virulent forms of acquisitive mimesis; and that entering into relationship with these little ones might be a source of peace and unity in our world.
I will draw on the later writings of Jean Vanier, the founder of LArche, whose philosophical anthropology is based on over 40 years of living with people with disabilities. I will open by gesturing towards René Girards account of the emergence of the modern world, and to Jean Vaniers desire to create, in the midst of that world, inclusive communities in which human beings can grow in all the dimensions of their being.
This paper is potentially part of a larger project of relating the experience of LArche to the established literature in the human sciences.
-------------------------
Alan Cork received
his MA in philosophy from Queen's University, Canada, in 2005, and he has been
living and working at L'Arche Cape Breton since September 2005.
Alan Cork, L'Arche Cape Breton, 3 L'Arche Lane, Whycocomagh, NS CANADA, B0E 3M0,
Tel.
+1 902 756-2414