Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id EAA15228 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Tue, 22 Jan 2002 04:06:34 GMT To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Message-Id: <AA-5DEA4AEFB5C5F333C4CB4A65D2873678-ZZ@maillink1.prodigy.net> Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2002 23:02:44 -0500 From: "Philip Jonkers" <PHILIPJONKERS@prodigy.net> Subject: Recursive def. of the meme Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
For what it's worth, I propose this definition of the meme:
Recursive def. o/t meme:
An element of culture that can be replicated/transmitted.
In addition, it has a set of properties or features that
determine its uniqueness which, in turn, are memes too (by some
mode).
In other words: a meme can be expressed in other more primitive
memes.
This definition has the benefit that it explicitly recognizes the
observation
that memes can be expressed in memes, which can be expressed in
memes etc...
New memes have to be expandable in known memes in order
to disseminate and communicate its existence over the population.
The process of recursion ends when the level of expressive memes
becomes
so primitive that further recursion is impossible (the
non-uniqueness
condition is then violated). This level may be called the atomic
level
of memes.
Examples:
An idea can be expressed in phrases, metaphors, slogans,
single sentences, themes, theorems etc. which constitutes the
first
primitive level. In turn, phrases, metaphors and the like can be
expressed
in single words, the second primitive level. Words can be
expressed in letters
and marks. Further recursion is impossible as the sticks, bars
and circles
used to construct character do not uniquely belong to one
particular
character. The single symbols therefore constitute the atomic
meme-level.
An invention such as the airplane consists of parts like wheels,
wings,
fuselage and cockpit which may constitutes the first primitive
level.
Wings consist of flat and curved metal plates, fuel containers
and a
metallic framework to keep the construction together: the second
primitive
level. The metal plates may consist of several metallic layers,
paint,
anti-corrosive layers and nuts and bolts. All these elements can
be
expressed in more detail by giving the materials or chemicals
involved,
ways of fabrication, number of threads in bolts, etc. This level
of
description would be the atomic level (although recursion may go
beyond
this point from engineering into the realm of physics and
chemistry.)
A complex behavior such as a fancy eating etiquette or royal
inauguration
may be decomposed in several programs of bodily movements. Each
of these
programs may be expressed further into more primitive patterns of
movement/
behavior until the movements are too mundane and non-unique to
allow further
recursion. The atomic level has been reached then.
Comments, additions, wise-cracks? All are welcome...
Philip.
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