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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam > Blaise Pascal Instituut > Girard Studiekring > COV&R 2007 > Abstracts Papers
Ibanga B. Ikpe
Tolerance, vulnerability and cyclical violence. An analytic of Girard within the context of meaning
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ABSTRACT
This paper is an attempt to unravel the intricate relationship between tolerance and vulnerability. It identifies the relationship as rooted in the concept of difference which, apart from giving meaning to the concept tolerance and the concept vulnerability also points to the impact that each concept has on the other.
Without a concept of difference, the concept of tolerance looses its meaning and vulnerability becomes unreal. It argues that though tolerance and vulnerability are rooted in difference, the perception of difference is further magnified by tolerance and vulnerability and this creates a need for greater tolerance and a heightened feeling of vulnerability, which in turn reinforces the difference and this continues cumulatively. It observes that the perception of difference, which underlies the notions of tolerance and vulnerability, also underlies Girards mimetic theory.
Mimesis
is possible because of the difference between the imitator and his model and it
is this difference that sets the stage for mimetic rivalry and sustains the
resultant mimetic crisis. Girards notion of a scapegoat as well as the whole
mechanism of sacrifice is based on the concept of difference and we can safely
say that without a concept of difference, there would be no mimetic theory.
Girards view that the imitation of Christ will end mimetic rivalry is based
on his belief that such an imitation will eliminate the difference between the
imitator and his model. From the point of view of meaning I argue that
difference is inherently divisive and its association with Girards theory as
well as the concepts of tolerance and vulnerability create problems both for
Girards theory and for the more practical desire for peaceful co-existence.
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Dr. Ibanga B. Ikpe, Philosophy Unit (TRS Dept.), University of Botswana, Gaborone Botswana, +266 355 2633; +266 7136 1563.