Existential Analysis and Mimesis Theory

Abstract

The contemporary world appears to be characterized not only by the ongoing political tensions and the consequences of the pandemic, but also by two concomitant phenomena: the fourth industrial revolution (Schwab) and the “liquidity” of advanced societies (Bauman). In this scenario, current educational theories, which derive from twentieth-century thought, are in continuous need of new ideas and updates. This article considers some of René Girard's themes as relevant for a theory of education. The problems of our time lead to a new consideration of the fragility of human life in an era of great, technological achievements that put the stability of social life at risk, destroy millions of jobs and impose continuous changes in life for many people – especially young people. Girard’s theory, integrated with Frankl’s existential analysis, can help to consider these aspects of our time from a pedagogical perspective.

Keywords

• Analisi esistenziale; Mimesi; Teoria dell'educazione