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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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huh afaik ricky gervais hasn't even heard of the gervais principle. I named it that in his honor, but obviously he came up with the characters and plot of the show before I came up with the theory
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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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To be known because Girard made Thiel's fortune says too that the mimetic theory works. But if you admit such results it's strange to dub him an irrelevant philosopher. There's many good things to do with his theory: I converted to Xtianity, worked out a theory of sexuality...
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Money making and investing is hardly a good thing. We are in money’s chains and carefully, systematically, stupidly destroying our beautiful planet because of this slavery. Mimetic world is too the tool to get to a much needed post capitalist world.
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That’s a different normative conversation. I’m only narrowly commenting on the apparent applicability pattern of girard’s thought as evidenced by thief’s publicly visible actions.
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