Exploring Mimēsis through the Lens of the Principle of Personalization

Personalization is a principle introduced in this article to define the concept of mimēsis. From the classical to modern eras, the concept of mimēsis has been explained under the principle of representation. This means that the structure of human understanding is based on the ability to reflect on nature. In this context, understanding means mirroring. As a result, under the lens of representation, humans consider they understand the essence of nature by merely representing it. However, in the postmodern eras, the concept of mimēsis is perceived differently compared to the previous eras. In these eras, humans are not only mirroring or representing the essence of nature but modifying it into something different. This shift occurs because the essence of nature has transformed human understanding, so what it represents carries human understanding with it. This article explains the topic from the principle of personalization, providing the reason for the evolution of the concept of mimēsis. It is intended for those who follow the developments of philosophical discourse and philosophy students. It provides an overview of the theory from classical to postmodern eras, covering thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Derrida, Baudrillard, and Ricoeur. However, it is also accessible to non-philosophy readers, as it addresses the structure of human understanding and how humans embody their understanding within language and artworks. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to contribute to the development of philosophical discourse and the cultivation of knowledge in general.