Consilience, Abduction, and Mimetic Theory
Consilience, Abduction, and Mimetic Theory

An Epistemological Inquiry into René Girard’s Interpretation of the Oedipus Myth

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of the fundamental guidelines according to René Girard’s interpretation of the Oedipus myth. After close examination, it appears Girard’smethodology is based on four complementary levels: (1) the common-sense tracking of sacrificial substitutions; (2) the careful analysis of symmetries and dissymmetries in mythical texts; (3) the identification of cross-cultural and historical persecution stereotypes; (4) the application of the common standard of evidence (i.e. guilty beyond a reasonable doubt) for criminal conviction. Throughout the paper, we will show that Girard’s approach bears a strong resemblance to William Whewell’s method of consilience as well as Charles Sanders Peirce’s views of the historical sciences.

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