got into a conversation with someone today about this video:
I think it sounds like metaphysical nonsense (which is why it’s in this section). i like some of the concepts, but the way she packages it as ‘science’ seems kinda silly to me. “Memes” are just like “Genes”. Ummm, no. Genes are recognizable and tangible, memes are a concept.
Now, i’ve always understood ‘memes’ to be concepts that exist in our collective consciousness,, like “just Do it” or “Jesus died for your sins”. But Richard Dawkins, who originated the term, claims they are ‘units of thoughts’ that replicate themselves for their own purpose, regardless of human intention. I think that’s hogwash.
Anyway, ms blackwell seems to think that since genes are memes are temes, ‘technology and information’ are self-replicating for their own purpose. The internet exists for its own purposes, regardless of human intention.
what says you?
some helpful links:
http://skepticblog.org/2009/08/03/memes-and-the-singularity/
http://mindfulhack.blogspot.com/2008/06/evolutionary-psychology-meme-generates.html
Asheville TEDx
