„Ludzki mózg jest potężną imitującą maszyną”. Teoria mimetyczna a badania nad naturą imitacji w naukach kognitywnych

This article attempts to trace the relationship between René Girard’s mimetic theory and re- search on the nature of imitation in cognitive sciences. It is divided into four parts. The first one defines the basic concept of the French thinker’s theory, i.e. that of mimetic desire, in the context of such notions as biological, cultural and psychological mimicry. The second refers to the research conducted in the area of developmental psychology on mimetic behaviours of infants. The third part shows how imitative behaviours are reflected in the activity of neurons. The fourth chapter describes the most recent findings, which directly relate to the theory of René Girard’s mimetic desire.