From: BMSDGATH <BMSDGATH@livjm.ac.uk>
To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
Subject: Unweaving the Rainbow
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 15:57:58 -0400 (EDT)
Memetics gets a mention in Dawkins latest book. "Unweaving the
Rainbow", Penguin, London pp. 302-309.
The "Dawkins B" stance appears to be softened a little (or perhaps I'm
just indulging in wishful thinking...), but it is still recognisable.
Interestingly, Dawkins does quite firmly say that imitation has an
important role to play, and quotes the nut-cracking trick as an example
of imitation in chimps, because it appears only in West African chimps.
I'd be interested to see if it can be demonstrated that East African
chimps have all the opportunities to do the trick. If they do have the
opportunities, but still don't do it, I'd say that this is perhaps an
example of imitation spreading thtough the West African groups.
Unfortunately no references are given for the chimps. Only Dennett and
Blackmore are referenced as the two major books on memetics.
Derek
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