Re: virus: What is meant by "memes affecting genes"?

Martin Traynor (m.traynor@ic.ac.uk)
Thu, 17 Oct 1996 13:32:13 +0000


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On 15 Oct 96 at 18:46, David Leeper wrote:

> Genes are chunks of DNA. Memes are stored in the neural nets of the brain. It is impossible
> to encode memes into genes.

I disagree. For example, let's imagine a species which has just
deveoped a meme of co-operation. Let us also imagine that it works
i.e. it enhances that species ability to propogate. When genes arise
which facilitate the co-operation meme, those genes will be more
likely to survive. Thus we have a meme evolving into a genetic
quality, given enough time.

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Martz <m.traynor@ic.ac.uk>
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