Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id IAA05864 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Mon, 28 Feb 2000 08:13:07 GMT Message-ID: <B0000272984@htcompmail.htcomp.net> Subject: Re: Monkeys stone herdsman in Kenya Date: Sat, 26 Feb 00 08:51:39 -0000 x-mailer: Claris Emailer 2.0v2, June 6, 1997 From: "Mark M. Mills" <mmills@htcomp.net> To: "Memetics List" <memetics@mmu.ac.uk> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
Joe,
>> Are you suggesting that baboon DNA encodes group rock throwing?
>>
>No,...
Ok. At least we agree on this.
>.. just the physical ability to throw rocks and the imitative ability
>to learn from witnessing others...
By this, I assume you consider 'imitative ability' is encoded in DNA.
Is that correct?
>...imitation, in and of
>itself, does not constitute memesis. Baboons are not consciously
>self-aware, ... They do not,
>however, create a novel signification ... and are not modifying
>them [rocks] into something previously
>nonexistent... They do not appear
>to be in possession of plans...
Based on the above, it seems your definition of 'meme' requires the
preexistence of
1. self-awareness
2. novel signification
3. planned modification of the environment
Thus, imitation alone can exist without requiring a memetic support
system. The memetic support system follows the emergence of
self-awareness, signing and planning. Turned around a bit, memes are the
product of self-awareness, signing and planning.
Am I interpreting this correctly?
Mark
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