X-Message-Number: 28431
From: 
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 10:21:45 EDT
Subject: memetics?

Anthony and many others question the validity or usefulness of the notion  of 
memes and memetics. I haven't made a serious study of it, and don't have any  
strong opinion yet, but I am not aware of any body of successful predictions  
made through memetics. My philosophy is based in part on empiricism, meaning  
that if it isn't useful, forget it.
 
Of course, usefulness takes many forms. The goal of life is to feel  good, 
hence entertainment is a valuable commodity, as well as one of  our biggest 

industries. Memes have clearly contributed to the joy  of gossip--as have, to be
sure, many brands of nonsense.
 
R.E.


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