MIMESIS: LINKING POSTMODERN THEORY TO HUMAN BEHAVIOR

Abstract

This article elaborates mimesis as a theory of causality used to explain human behavior. Drawing parallels to social constructionism's critique of positivism and naturalism, mimesis is offered as a theory of causality explaining human behavior that contests the current dominance of Newton's theory of causality as cause and effect. The contestation of Newton's theory takes place within the specific dimension of explaining human behavior. Working complementarily with social constructionism, mimesis is offered as a broad fundamental theory defining the postmodern discourse as it relates to the human sciences. As such, it provides a vital link in connecting various postmodern theories of language (e.g., Foucault's technology of power) to explaining human behavior and, hence, aiding postmodern social work practice.