Thomas Ryba – författare

The contribution of this book to the field of reconciliation is both theoretical and practical, recognizing that good theory guides effective practice and practice is the ground for compelling theory. Using a Girardian hermeneutic as a starting point, a new conceptual Gestalt emerges in these essays, one not fully integrated in a formal way but showing a clear understanding of some of the challenges and possibilities for dealing with the deep divisions, enmity, hatred, and other effects of violence. By situating discourse about reconciliation within the context of Girardian thought, it becomes clear that—like Peter who vowed he would never deny Jesus but ended up doing it three times—any of us is susceptible to the siren call of angry resentment and retaliation. It is with a profound awareness of the power of violence that the emergence of mimetic discourse around reconciliation takes on particular urgency.

As artificial intelligence assumes increasing prominence in our lives, a host of questions arise, particularly if one holds a view of humans as inherently social or mimetic, such as René Girard. Does the potential for self-awareness in artificial intelligence come with mimetic desire in the way Girard claims it does for human beings?Thomas Ryba and Sandor Goodhart bring together a team of renowned scholars to theorize artificial intelligence from a Girardian perspective for the first time. Chapters present cutting edge reflections on Girard’s mimetic theory in connection with science, humans, fiction, film, philosophy and God, shedding light on artificial intelligence and the consequences of the implementation of humanoid robots into daily life. In Part I, each argument is followed by a response, spanning topics from the philosophic foundations of mimetic theory and cognitive science through to scapegoating, mimesis, and the human future. Drawing on close interpretative readings of films, including A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Ex Machina and HER, as well as literary productions, philosophic essays and theological concepts, it offers a novel approach to utilize the seminal ideas of Girard. Setting out new challenges and insights, this interdisciplinary volume is an essential starting point for students and scholars of Girard, mimetic theory, artificial intelligence, robotics, film, philosophy of religion and ethics.

As artificial intelligence assumes increasing prominence in our lives, a host of questions arise, particularly if one holds a view of humans as inherently social or mimetic, such as Ren Girard. Does the potential for self-awareness in artificial intelligence come with mimetic desire in the way Girard claims it does for human beings?Thomas Ryba and Sandor Goodhart bring together a team of renowned scholars to theorize artificial intelligence from a Girardian perspective for the first time. Chapters present cutting edge reflections on Girard's mimetic theory in connection with science, humans, fiction, film, philosophy and God, shedding light on artificial intelligence and the consequences of the implementation of humanoid robots into daily life. In Part I, each argument is followed by a response, spanning topics from the philosophic foundations of mimetic theory and cognitive science through to scapegoating, mimesis, and the human future. Drawing on close interpretative readings of films, including A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Ex Machina and HER, as well as literary productions, philosophic essays and theological concepts, it offers a novel approach to utilize the seminal ideas of Girard. Setting out new challenges and insights, this interdisciplinary volume is an essential starting point for students and scholars of Girard, mimetic theory, artificial intelligence, robotics, film, philosophy of religion and ethics.

As artificial intelligence assumes increasing prominence in our lives, a host of questions arise, particularly if one holds a view of humans as inherently social or mimetic, such as Ren Girard. Does the potential for self-awareness in artificial intelligence come with mimetic desire in the way Girard claims it does for human beings?Thomas Ryba and Sandor Goodhart bring together a team of renowned scholars to theorize artificial intelligence from a Girardian perspective for the first time. Chapters present cutting edge reflections on Girard's mimetic theory in connection with science, humans, fiction, film, philosophy and God, shedding light on artificial intelligence and the consequences of the implementation of humanoid robots into daily life. In Part I, each argument is followed by a response, spanning topics from the philosophic foundations of mimetic theory and cognitive science through to scapegoating, mimesis, and the human future. Drawing on close interpretative readings of films, including A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Ex Machina and HER, as well as literary productions, philosophic essays and theological concepts, it offers a novel approach to utilize the seminal ideas of Girard. Setting out new challenges and insights, this interdisciplinary volume is an essential starting point for students and scholars of Girard, mimetic theory, artificial intelligence, robotics, film, philosophy of religion and ethics.