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General Science => General Science => Topic started by: DERYN on 01/02/2010 18:59:42

Title: Is memetics a science ?
Post by: DERYN on 01/02/2010 18:59:42

Is memetics a science ?

DERYN



Mod edit - Please format the subject as a question.

Title: Is memetics a science ?
Post by: DERYN on 02/02/2010 15:59:03

Sorry 'mod' and thanks Dave.

I've just started reading the Mind Virus by Brodie and was wondering first off if memetics was regarded as a science by scientists. The beginning of the book was easy enough for me but as a non scientist/academic I'm beginning to find it more difficult as I read on. I'll probably have a question or two as I read on. And I'll compose it properly next time.

DERYN

Title: Is memetics a science ?
Post by: yor_on on 02/02/2010 19:35:09

What is it?

Title: Is memetics a science ?
Post by: yor_on on 02/02/2010 20:37:49

How do one go about defining a meme? Do you have a link or an example to that?

Title: Is memetics a science ?
Post by: DERYN on 03/02/2010 08:43:42

Wikipedia is a good place to start.

I think my understanding so far is a bit simplistic. I thought the point was that, the way we think and consequently behave is determined by the memes we are exposed to and those memes we decide to adopt. These memes come from other people, TV, music ... all types of communication. The influence memes can have on our behavior and lives can be both good and bad. Identifying the memes not good for us can help us 'disinfect' them and become the person we really want to be instead of a person outside influences wants us to be. Ultimately memes shape our culture.

This is my understanding so far. Is anyone willing to comment or put me right ? That would be most appreciated.

DERYN

Title: Is memetics a science ?
Post by: yor_on on 03/02/2010 23:40:58

Like this? Electrical Meme. (http://books.google.se/books?id=pyBkmZ0EKrwC&dq=How+do+one+go+about+defining+a+meme&source=bl&ots=YX-HFxhyJR&sig=ZIAxSs85tdudZLDyycImIOwVXJk&hl=en&ei=1QhqS7DEConB-Qag0vTHCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=17&ved=0CD0Q6AEwEA)
 
That scares the living daylight out of me.
Aliens in my mind?