Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id CAA27672 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Thu, 25 Jan 2001 02:03:59 GMT From: <lhousego@axa.com.au> X-Lotus-FromDomain: NMH@NMHEXT@NMHDMZ To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Message-Id: <4A2569DF.000F820E.00@c2.nm.com.au> Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2001 12:57:11 +1000 Subject: Re: this list Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Disposition: inline Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
I suppose a biological analogy, involving intelligence would be the smart
little annoying furry mammals out evolving the big ponderous lizards. While
it's great to be moving ahead with the big picture and competing well
amongst peers, disruptive change turns the tables towards those better
equipped for a highly variable environment. Our ancestors didn't respect
the role as dominant species played by Lizards, or later, by big nasty
cats. Cut 'em down I say.
Insults, like respect is just more learned behaviour. The biological basis
of learned behaviour and its transmission is debated here on this list,
sometimes in excruiting yet open ended detail. Attaching value to it's use
or non-use I think would have to be subjective. My opinion is that it can
have value in debate, particularly if you want to win the debate by use a
strategic tool.
Whether you want to win the debate (possibly motivated by a desire to
replicte your ideas) or just explore a subjective concept of truth (itself
an idea) would probably determine whether you would consider stooping to
such "lows" of insults (not quoting anyone, just highlighting the word to
give across that I attach no value to the word either way, to in turn lead
you to question if you do, and why.).
"Diane Benscoter" <diane.benscoter@csgpro.com> on 25/01/2001 10:47:09 am
Please respond to memetics@mmu.ac.uk
To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
cc:
Subject: Re: this list
The internet, and even scienctific research, in my opinion, is not about
mutual respect. The search for truth, understanding and progressing our lot
in life is perhaps more relevant. Respect can
help that sometimes, but can
also hinder it.
OK, I'll agree with you to some extent, but how have the insults in this
discussion helped progress us toward understanding anything about memetics,
specifically, or on a loftier scale, progressed our lot in life? I guess
instead of respect, if it hinders (which I'm not sold on, but that's OK)
what I would personally appreciate is communication that reflects a memetic
evolution ;-) towards constructiveness as opposed to destructiveness. One
could argue that insults are constructive, but while they do tend to create
energy, can't we as intelligent people find other sources of inspiration
that don't harm each other? Wouldn't that be a good thing? At least more
pleasant.
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This was distributed via the memetics list associated with the
Journal of Memetics - Evolutionary Models of Information Transmission
For information about the journal and the list (e.g. unsubscribing)
see: http://www.cpm.mmu.ac.uk/jom-emit
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