Re: virus: MEME UPDATE: To Censor Or Not?

Lior Golgher (efraim_g@netvision.net.il)
Fri, 13 Dec 1996 01:19:24 -0800


Dave Pape wrote:
I'd argue that it's predetermined that most people won't kill themselves
if
they start thinking that they have no freewill, because they are
biological
organisms which are the result of evolutionary processes, and organisms
which take care of themselves, don't neglect themselves, and don't kill
themselves, will enjoy a competitive advantage (in genetic terms) over
organisms which behave as though thy don't value their own lives.

---

That can be called a Frequently Raised Argument. I haven't once heard a clear answer why is this model needed at all to explain socio-biological evolution. The death of those who don't want to live don't usually reduce the chance of those who do want to live to survive. In fact, we can say it's exactly the opposite - the death of the first <let's call 'em Philodeath> only extend the amount of resources per living philolife creature. Also pay attention to the fact that philodeath memes prosper in times of population-density growth. So, not only determinism isn't needed to explain nature, every nature, it also doesn't quite fit socio-biological evolution in this case. Does it? Lior.