Subject: Re: memes and dancing
Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 13:53:42 -0500
From: "Wade T.Smith" <wade_smith@harvard.edu>
To: <memetics@mmu.ac.uk>
On 12/23/99 10:22, Robin Faichney said this-
>If you don't like memes, you have to propose some
>other explanatory framework for horizontal transmission -- or at least
>explain why none is required. So...???
Are memes necessary for imitation?
(Hey, if they are, I want to know....)
Are memes required for the ability to dance, or hear music, or perform on
an instrument?
Since memes are not required for either the ability to perform a task, or
the ability to learn it, where is the instance they are required at all?
Why can we not say that birdsong and the waltz are related products of
behavioral (read genetically determined) adaptation to environment? Why
are memes required at all?
Once I introduce memetics to Occam, memes disappear.
This doesn't mean I listen to Strauss with any less admiration.
- Wade
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