Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1998 09:31:42 +0100
From: Bruce Edmonds <B.Edmonds@mmu.ac.uk>
Message-Id: <199808200831.JAA02163@alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk>
To: jom-emit-ann@mmu.ac.uk
New paper (JoM-EMIT) On Modelling in Memetics - Bruce Edmonds
On Modelling in Memetics
Bruce Edmonds
Centre for Policy Modelling
Manchester Metropolitan University
Abstract
The field of memetics is characterised and two types of
memetic model analysed: the a priori model and the
`black-box' model. These are used to motivate a picture
of scientific modelling, where by chains of models are
built from abstract models at the `top' down to data
models derived from measurement. These models are
linked to each other by validation (where the structure of
a model comes from another) and verification (where the
results of a model are checked against another). The role
of formal models in clearly establishing these links are
discussed. This picture is applied to the process of
modelling in memetics. The paper argues that stronger
selection are required to enable the field to evolve. In
particular it argues that validation and verification
constitute a minimum such set for memetic models.
Keywords: meme, modelling, philosophy, science,
selection, explanation, constructivism, validation,
verification
Available at URL:
http://www.cpm.mmu.ac.uk/jomemit/1998/vol2/edmonds_b.html