From: Bruce Edmonds (b.edmonds@mmu.ac.uk)
Date: Wed 12 May 2004 - 15:50:41 GMT
The Inherent Instability of Memetic Systems:
Use of a Genetic Algorithm to Solve a Parameter Optimisation Problem
in a Memetic Simulation
by Derek Gatherer
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. The Model
3. The Effects of Varying Parameters on Memetic Isolation
4. The Genetic Algorithm
5. Discussion
Appendix: Code Listings
References
Abstract:
'Memetic isolation' is a situation in which a society or culture
exhibits a cultural trait not found in any neighbouring cultures
(Gatherer 2002b). A previously developed simulation, consisting of a
grid of connected societies of cultural agents, is further analysed to
define the circumstances under which memetic isolation is maximised and
minimized. Parameters varied include migration, and cultural interaction
within and between societies. Some stereotypical societies are
simulated, and the differences in outcomes are analysed statistically. A
genetic algorithm is then used to discover the combinations of
parameters that produce extreme results. Minimization of memetic
isolation appears to be simply a matter of cultural or natural selection
on the meme concerned. By contrast, maximization of memetic isolation
requires an intuitively unlikely combination of low cultural
interaction, high migration and no selection. The classic memetic
theoretical result, that horizontally transmitted memes tend to be more
spatially clustered than vertically transmitted memes or genes, is shown
to depend on the existence of cultural bridges, or 'weak ties', between
societies and also to be at the mercy of migration rates and selective
forces.
Key words: Contagion, evolutionary epidemiology of culture, cultural
evolution, cultural selection, meme, allomeme, cultural trait, genetic
algorithm, globalisation.
Available at:
http://jom-emit.cfpm.org/2004/vol8/gatherer_d.html
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