Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id FAA15005 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Sun, 13 Jan 2002 05:57:15 GMT To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Message-Id: <AA-9B411A761A067E442DEABD2CBA0C33F6-ZZ@homebase1.prodigy.net> Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2002 00:53:19 -0500 From: "Philip Jonkers" <PHILIPJONKERS@prodigy.net> Subject: RE: playing at suicide Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
>When I look at culture, both here and abroad, it
doesn't seem to work that
>way. The force of nature and the force of culture
often seem to work
>against each other and I want to know why.
In the course of time, human culture has evolved
to such extent that it finds itself almost detached
from its original roots to enhance survival.
Nowadays, memes work sometimes pro, sometimes contra
genes. Culture operates virtually independent from
biology mainly because it evolves much faster.
By its speedy rate of evolution there's no reason why
memes should be obey biology, i.e. act pro-gene.
Memes almost lead a life of their own as genes
are to inert to keep similar pace with them.
In humans, however, the co-evolution between genes
and memes will persist as they share the same turf:
the brain. Things will change I predict with the
fearfully anticipated advent of the smart AI
computer.
>What is it about culture that
>gives it the power to change the world and override
the laws of nature?
I hope you are referring to the invasive impact of
culture on (human) biology for example in the form
of genetic engineering because striclty speaking
there are yet examples to be found of memes breaking
any laws of nature.
Philip.
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