The Threefold Mimesis of Evil in the Myths of Formosan Aborigines
The Threefold Mimesis of Evil in the Myths of Formosan Aborigines

Summary/Abstract: This paper explores the probable origin of Taiwan aborigines’ unique vision of evil and their rationalization through the mediation of myths and concomitant ethical norms and taboos. We apply Paul Ricoeur’s theory of evil and threefold mimesis in order to analyze in a systematic manner the imaginary of evil, which could be rooted in the conception of human mortality. The study sheds light on the cosmological nature of Formosans’ attributing of evil while bringing to light the fundamental difference in conceiving evil between Christian and non-Christian cultures.

• Details
• Contents