From: <MemeLab@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 06:11:31 EDT
Subject: Re: implied or inferred memes
To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
In a message dated 9/19/1999 11:15:34 PM !!!First Boot!!!,
wade_smith@harvard.edu writes:
>>So I don't think that it is necessary to provide any proof for NLP, to make
>>the dynamics that I am suggesting any more plausible.
>
>So, having left this discussion in a huff, citing irreconciliable
>differences, are we now to conclude that you feel that memetics itself is
>relegated to that limbo of pseudosciences which throughout the ages have
>always used 'plausibility' as their 'proof'?
Is this demonstration of poor interpersonal skills supposed pass for
thoughtful engagement? There was no discussion for me to have left "in a
huff" or otherwise. There would have to be engagement before there could be
"irreconcilable differences." You obviously seem to be trolling for a flame.
The discussion that I actually offered was never accepted. Instead you seem
intent on discussing NLP, something that I don't have much interest in
discussing.
In regards to this last comment about memetics however, yes it is in some
state of limbo. It remains viable due mostly to its plausibility, the same
may or may not be true of NLP. The fact that you would equate that condition
with "psuedo-science" betrays an attitude of close-minded othodox dogmatism.
Psuedo science has generally gone beyond the realm of plausibility to earn
the label "pseudo science" by demonstrating its implausibility. Neither NLP
nor memetics have proved themselves pseudo-science to me in that regard. I
would also hasten to say that cognitive metaphor, as per Lakoff and Johnson,
(the actual discussion that I repeatedly offered) has definitely earned more
respect as legitimate science than either of them, and it was that subject
that most interested me.
Don't worry about it, though. I could care less about engaging you in this
discussion after these last two exchanges. In fact, in the future I think I
will.
-Jake
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