> Do you know what a "meme" is?
> Try this: A "meme" is a metaphor. It is simply the statement that ideas
evolve in much the same way that living organisms do, addresses the question
of what the "unit" of such evolution is, and tries to draw useful analogies
between biological evolution by natural selection, and the social evolution
of ideas, customs, beliefs, and behavior.
Now, I suspect that some of you might say (tell me if I'm wrong) that calling
something a metaphor is a pretty weak way of speaking. On the contrary, most
of science and art is based on metaphors, and they are the most powerful
intellectual tools in our collective armory. It's just another way of saying
that Dawson, etc. have drawn or seen the connections between two sets of
ideas, and are seeking to develop useful conclusions about the way evolution
operates on ideas. Does it work the same way as natural selection? What are
the differences, and how can we use/think about them?
For instance, evolution always works locally. Or does it? Does it work
locally on the level of genes, individuals, or groups? Does "meme" evolution
have to follow that rule, or can an idea that doesn't work on the level of
individual, immediate feedback still spread and thrive if it works in the
long run for the benefit of the social unit at large?
I am very interested in knowing if this is a useful thread to explore, or if
it has been run to the ground already. Thanks.
-- **************************************** C. David Noziglia Wellington, New Zealand noziglia@actrix.gen.nz
"Blessed are those who have no expectations, for they will never be disappointed." Kautiliya Shakhamuni Sidhartha Gautama Buddha
"Things are the way they are because they got that way."
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