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an introduction to memetics
Jul. 20th, 2004 01:21 pmUniversal Darwinism: the idea that genetics is just one instance of a more universal kind of "replicator algorithm." An algorithm is a simple set of steps that, when followed faithfully, will produce a given result. A replicator is an automaton following a set of simple steps that result in a reasonably accurate copy of itself. If there are small changes every time a replicator makes a copy of itself, then different versions of the replicator will compete for survival, as resources for replication eventually become scarce.
The replicator algorithm sets in motion a chaotic process, wherein accidental changes made to copies of the replicator affect its ability to further reproduce. Changes that give benefits to the replicator's phenotype make that version of the replicator more likely to pass on than those without the new benefit. Thus, accidental benefits tend to accrue in the replicator pool. This is the process of natural selection.
The word "meme" was coined by Richard Dawkins in 1976. It was shortened from "mimeme," or "unit of imitation."
What makes memes possible is the fact that humans are excellent all-purpose imitators. Imitation is an extremely difficult skill, as Blackmore demonstrates:
According to the memetic theory, the human brain hosts many memes, which interact in various ways, sometimes in cooperation, sometimes in conflict. Memes are replicated when they are passed from one person to the next; Blackmore suggests that humans developed language and larger brains primarily to increase the fidelity and fecundity of meme replication.
This theory dovetails with theories of consciousness such as those developed by Daniel Dennett and William Calvin, who argue that the development of thought and consciousness within the human brain follows a process analogous to Darwinian selection.
The replicator algorithm sets in motion a chaotic process, wherein accidental changes made to copies of the replicator affect its ability to further reproduce. Changes that give benefits to the replicator's phenotype make that version of the replicator more likely to pass on than those without the new benefit. Thus, accidental benefits tend to accrue in the replicator pool. This is the process of natural selection.
The word "meme" was coined by Richard Dawkins in 1976. It was shortened from "mimeme," or "unit of imitation."
What makes memes possible is the fact that humans are excellent all-purpose imitators. Imitation is an extremely difficult skill, as Blackmore demonstrates:
Suppose I put my hands to my mouth in a trumpet-like shape, point them upwards and hum "de-tum-de-tum." I would bet that, unless you were physically unable, you would have little trouble in copying me -- and that people watching would agree on whether you managed a good performance or not. What is so difficult about that?
First, you... have to decide which aspects of the action are to be copied -- does the angle of your leg matter? or the position of your feet? Is it more important that your hands look something like a trumpet or that the exact position is as close as possible to my version of a trumpet? Must your humming be in the same key, or only follow the same melody? ... Having decided on the important aspects to be copied, a very difficult set of transformations has to be effected. You watched me, let's say, from the side. Nothing you saw of my actions will correspond to the way the actions will look from your perspective when you carry them out yourself. ... Somehow your brain has to create a transformation of the action I did that will enable it to instruct your muscles to do whatever they have to do to get your action to look like mine to someone else. (The Meme Machine, p. 51-2)
According to the memetic theory, the human brain hosts many memes, which interact in various ways, sometimes in cooperation, sometimes in conflict. Memes are replicated when they are passed from one person to the next; Blackmore suggests that humans developed language and larger brains primarily to increase the fidelity and fecundity of meme replication.
This theory dovetails with theories of consciousness such as those developed by Daniel Dennett and William Calvin, who argue that the development of thought and consciousness within the human brain follows a process analogous to Darwinian selection.
