From: Reed Konsler (konslerr@mail.weston.org)
Date: Tue 18 Mar 2003 - 13:18:47 GMT
Ted:
"We don't need the memetics model to account for the recognition that ulcers
are caused by bacteria...Since the idea turned out to be true, now lots of
people
believe it. No need for "selfish" units of culture propagating themselves.
But the prior belief-- that ulcers are caused by stress-- is not only false
but harmful. The extreme difficulty of uprooting this belief can be
ascribed to the autonomy and resilience of the belief itself. Of course, if
bad ideas are memes, then every idea is potentially memetic. That the
bacterial explanation of ulcers is a meme can only be demonstrated
indirectly."
That's a false dichotomy. Ulcers are a symptom. The presence of ulcers is
statistically correlated with the presence of certain bacteria. It's also
correlated with ingestion of particularly acidic chemicals. It seems to be
correlated with stress, to the extent you can quantify that.
The proximate cause of ulcers is an increase in stomach acidity beyond the
ability of the mucous lining to protect against it. There isn't any single
ultimate cause, because (like most chronic medical problems) it's a result
of an upset equilibrium. Anything, or any collection of things together,
that upsets the equilibrium will cause the symptom.
Because you come up with a new theory doesn't mean all the old ones are
wrong.
Because you create a "wonder drug" doesn't mean you have solved a medical
problem.
Another example. Many people are depressed. Depression has many causes:
biological, psychological, and environmental. Depression is linked to
reduced serotonin levels in the brain. That is a proximate cause and it can
be treated using an SSRI like Prozac or Zoloft. These drugs are quite
effective and a blessing, but it would be a mistake to think that the drugs
have "fixed" the problem. There are not single theories or simple
solutions. It isn't necessary, for instance, to choose between taking
Prozac, praying to God for strength of will, meditating, and trying to get
your life organized and on the track you want. You can do all at once.
Best,
Reed
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