Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 19:19:22 +0200
From: Mario Vaneechoutte <Mario.Vaneechoutte@rug.ac.be>
To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
Subject: Re: reality and other memes
MemeLab@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 4/13/1999 10:23:00 AM !!!First Boot!!!, A.Rousso@uea.ac.uk
> writes:
>
> >> Jake, mate. Much as I am on your side in this whole
> argument, I have to say that this kind of statement is not
> going to do you any favours: people will stop listening
> pretty sharpish if you say this kind of thing. Sue Blackmore
> is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology who has had a book
> published by Oxford University Press and personally endorsed
> by no less than Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett.<<
>
> And this is supposed to make a difference to me? Should I begin
> genuflecting? Does this suddenly exempt her ideas from rational criticism?
> If I see enough big names behind a book should I cease thought and
> uncritically accept it?
Jake, I've made this remark for myself many times: whoever writes a book, on
whatever subject, of whatever quality, all of sudden is some NAME. Very
interesting subject for memeticists.You are absolutely right: the more big names
behind something, the more cautious and critical one should be.
(For clarity: I am not making specific comments on any book here).
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