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Put another way: there is a category of explanatory theory that delights but is not actionable (nor is it supposed to be). I put René Girard’s mimetic desire stuff in this category. I expect the Gervais Principle to be similar but am curious if anyone knows otherwise.
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I wouldn't dispute mimetic theory is “artistically actionable” in that it can inform world-building. The Gervais Principle was obviously actionable for Ricky Gervais in the same way. But I’m talking about ways non-artists would change their behavior in response to such theories.
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Yes. I doubt Shakespeare heard of mimetic theory either ;) I believe @Domlrigaray was saying the substance of mimetic theory was “actionable” for Shakespeare et. al. even before Girard formalized it, ’cos their works incorporated it. If we allow that, then yeah, same for Gervais.
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Yeah I don't find that kind of retconning useful, but Girard has clearly been actionable to Thiel and those influenced by him at least, as is clear from the specifics of things he's done (go after Gawker, support Trump, fund various subcultures, hereticon etc)
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