Re: Defining the word "replicator" (was Re: Silent memes)

From: AaronLynch@aol.com
Date: Tue 05 Aug 2003 - 21:53:34 GMT

  • Next message: joedees@bellsouth.net: "Re: Defining the word "replicator" (was Re: Silent memes)"

    In a message dated 8/5/2003 10:48:09 AM Central Daylight Time, Lawrence DeBivort <debivort@umd5.umd.edu> writes:

    > I wonder whether there is confusing arising from Dawkins' terminology?
    >
    > A "replicator" should be the thing that is doing the replication, and not
    > that thing that is being replicated.
    >
    > The thing that is being replicated should be called a "REPLICATEE", and the
    > thing doing the replication should be called the "REPLICATOR" -- this
    > reflects standard subject/object usage, unless I am mistaken.
    >
    > Does this help?
    >
    > Cheers,
    > Lawry

    Thanks, Lawry.

    In one way, this would be more logical terminology. But the word "replicatee" could easily be misconstrued in another way, as referring to a person who is replicated. In any case, the term "replicator" has already been introduced into the literature. And scientific terms often have technical meanings different from those of mainstream usage. For purposes of science, it matters that the term be clearly defined.

    --Aaron Lynch

    Thought Contagion Science Page: http://www.thoughtcontagion.com

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