Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id VAA09636 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Fri, 12 Jan 2001 21:22:27 GMT Message-ID: <003d01c07ce2$5e84f9c0$270abed4@default> From: "Kenneth Van Oost" <Kenneth.Van.Oost@village.uunet.be> To: <memetics@mmu.ac.uk> References: <Pine.WNT.4.21.0101081201160.238-100000@c157775-a.frndl1.wa.home.com> Subject: Re: DNA / culture ---> trivial? Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 21:59:10 +0100 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2314.1300 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2314.1300 Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
> I continually run into level of analysis issues and I see another one
here.
> While it is clear that currently, DNA passes by sexual reproduction, and
it
> is also clear that memes are transmitted culturally, it is not clear that
> there is no interaction between the two. It is not clear that the
> interaction between the two stops at the rather important but simple level
of
> "genes must support the existence of memes". Memes may in fact allow the
> continued transmission of genes that in a non-memetic context would not
> survive.
> What of the continuing discoveries of genes that are "turned on" by
> certain environmental conditions. Memetic data can alter a persons
> behavior to avoid those environmental conditions. The DNA coding will be
> passed on, of course, but so might the memetic coding.
> Isn't this what is happening in the breast cancer world? In fact, it is
> entirely conceivable to create a DNA/meme package that ensures survival,
when
> the DNA package by itself could be deadly. We tend not to completely cull
> our genetic problems, but to memetically adapt to maintain those genetic
> problems in the gene pool.
>
> I'm afraid I can't agree that the DNA / culture distinction is trivial.
> Anytime the DNA protein encoding fosters but does not guarantee certain
> physical developments, there is the possibility of memetic/genetic or
> culture/DNA interactions. Again, I refer you to identical twin studies to
> look at some of these fascinating interactions.
Hi TJ,
Of course, I would say, everyone was waiting for this to happen, that is,
I am answering your call !!
But, I think your question is legitimate, and once again, unfortunately, the
list members are wondering about in their own disciplines. With all do
respect they did not really answered your question, and for once neither
will I for the moment.
That is, I do have a couple of points which I would like to be cleared
first.
You write,
1_ The DNA coding will be passed on, of course, but so might the memetic
coding.
< How do you see this !? >
2_ How do you see then the DNA/ culture distinction if not trivial !?
3_ Memes may in fact allow the continued transmission of genes that in a
non- memetic context would not survive...
< As for an example, memes may in fact allow the continued transmission
of genes which lead up to agressive behavior which nowadays, by cultural
adaptations, gets repressed.
That is, genes which lead up to agressive behavior will survive, long after
their memetic outcome (violence, intolerance, racism) is gone.
Those genes will survive due to the still existing memetic patterns which we
as a culture keep in books, computer discs, etc ...
Is that it what you mean, or do you mean that the transmission of the genes
would come to a standstill ?
IMO, that sentence needs more clarification, if you please....!?
Send in your reply, please, but for answering that paper from my side of the
great channel you will have to wait, not back before Monday afternoon.
Thanks for keeping that in mind,
All the best regards,
Kenneth
( I am, because we are) still....
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