Hi,
David McFadzean <morpheus@lucifer.com> writes:
<<
This seems to imply that the purpose is somehow separate from all
memes. Does the idea of Level 3 depend on this assumption? What if
purpose can be chosen consciously and/or transmitted memetically?
Where would that leave Level 3?
>>
It's even worse than that, David. If Blackmore is right and 'consciousness' or 'the self' is an illusion (a story we tell ourselves because it benefits our memes) then level 3 is nothing less than complete self deception -- it is taking the memes which create self-awareness and promoting them up a dozen notches in power -- and propagating level 3 is (of course) spreading those memes with a vengence. The tighter you grip -- the more they have you.
Blackmore's own solution -- to let the self go -- is, of course, no better; but at least it's honest. (and my understanding would be that it's an easier path to happiness, although it's unlikely to yield 'success', however you might define that)
ERiC