An Introduction to Memetics

Universal Darwinism is the theory that genes aren't the only entities that undergo Darwinian evolution. The most obvious 'other' form of evolution that goes on is that of culture. Those cultural units of replication are called memes and progress by the Darwinian mechanism of Replication, Variation and Natural Selection.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Evolution
• Darwinism
• Universal
• Dawkins
• Memes
• Genes
• Culture
• Biology
• Science
• Replication
• Variation
• Selection

[protossenslaver]

A memory is not something you will ever be able to point at within the brain, you are using the vocabulary incorrectly by assuming so. Memory is a word, it's meaning is shown in its use. (Wittgenstein)

Also, I was under the impression that it was pronounced "new-clear" not "nuke-you-ler".

But then, we would probably debate on the proper pronunciation of aluminum as well... cest la via.

Well done on the video though

[chitchcott]

@protossenslaver

I agree; a memory can only exist when it is experienced.

However, memory does not equal meme. The culturally inherited conceptual tools that make up any particular memory can potentially be witnessed in the same way that genes are, although they cannot be 'pointed to' 5:30 as they are information relationships rather than concrete objects.

I reckon neuroscience will whittle down our definition of 'pointing' to the stage where we understand memes better than just experiences.

[protossenslaver]

@chitchcott

William James was of a similar thought, as have and are, many psychologists. James thought that we simply did not have the vocabulary necessary to explain psychological phenomena, and to a degree, he was right. But the main distinction (and imo, what James was actually striving for) is the bridge to the mind, the "inner" if you will.

You must attempt to disillusion yourself from the Cartesian principle of dualism, and while I know no modern psychologist would ever admit to being

[chitchcott]

@protossenslaver

Google "The Grand Illusion of Consciousness". I'm well aware of dualism and the error of the Cartesian theater - it's something I'm not disillusioned by. Like I said in my post, you can't scientifically diagnose a memory, you can only experience one. The difference with memes is that as they are inherited from culture, so despite the nature of consciousness, we may be able to identify neurological patterns that relate to particular cultural concepts by comparing individuals.

[kellymarieapplebee]

this person is my best friend, i am proud :P

[stickernation]

The ends justify the memes ?

[Lone432345]

You call it Memetics. I think the Jedi called them Midi-chlorians.

[protossenslaver]

to do with Meme's which as I understand them from school are behavioral tenancies passed down from generations. Just merely allowing you a new perspective on something(s) I hold in a high regard; philosophy/psychology.

[protossenslaver]

continued...

a dualist, they make the same mistake and fall into the same dualistic trap over and over again by use of their vocabulary. The way we use words like "mind" and "thought" depict a certain usage for them. Unfortunately, we also tend to use the words in a dualist manner in every-day conversation, and this is where the trap lies.

You will never be able to scientifically diagnose a memory, because "memory" is a word we use to describe an occurance.

Not that any of that has anything

[ManiSaintVictor]

Very well explained.