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{{short description|Group of memes often found in the same individual}} |
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Much of the study of [[meme]]s focuses on groups of memes called '''meme complexes''', or '''memeplexes'''. Like the [[gene complex]]es found in biology, memeplexes are groups of memes that are often found present in the same individual. Applying the theory of [[Universal Darwinism]], memeplexes group together because memes will copy themselves more successfully when they are "teamed up". Examples include sets of memes like singing and guitar playing, or the [[Christmas tree]] and [[Christmas dinner]]. |
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The study of [[meme]]s, units of cultural information, often involves the examination of meme complexes or '''memeplexes'''. Memeplexes, comparable to the [[gene complex]]es in biology, consist of a group of memes that are typically present in the same individual. This presence is due to the implementation of [[Universal Darwinism]]'s theory, which postulates that memes can more effectively reproduce themselves when they collaborate or "team up". |
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Unlike inherited gene complexes, memeplexes do not have to benefit the individuals expressing them in order to replicate. Rather, because memes and memeplexes replicate virally (i.e., by horizontal transmission), they can be beneficial, inconsequential, or pathogenic to their carriers -- memes and memeplexes do not have to be true or useful to replicate. |
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Various manifestations of memeplexes can be observed in our everyday surroundings, and they usually have a profound impact on shaping individual and societal behaviors. Some of the most common examples include: |
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; <nowiki>Belief Systems and Ideologies:</nowiki>:This refers to a wide array of constructs such as religions, philosophies, political alignments, and overall worldviews. All of these systems are composed of multiple interrelated memes that collectively form a cohesive belief system. |
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; <nowiki>Organizations and Groups:</nowiki>:Entities such as churches, businesses, political parties, and clubs also illustrate memeplexes. These groups often share a common set of principles, rules, or beliefs that are propagated among their members. |
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; <nowiki>Behavioral Patterns:</nowiki>:These include various cultural practices and routines, such as musical practices, [[ceremonies]], [[marriage]] rituals, festivities, hunting techniques, and sports. |
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Contrary to inherited gene complexes, memeplexes encounter less [[Evolutionary pressure|pressure]] to provide benefits to the individuals exhibiting them for their replication. This distinction is because memes and memeplexes propagate virally via [[Transmission (medicine)|horizontal transmission]], making their survival not solely dependent on the success of their hosts. |
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For memes and memeplexes to successfully replicate, they do not necessarily have to be useful, accurate, or factual. As an example, the [[geocentric model]] was a widely accepted concept despite its inaccuracies and has since been largely supplanted by more scientifically sound theories. |
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| ⚫ | Prominent figures like philosopher [[Daniel C. Dennett]], evolutionary biologist [[Richard Dawkins]], and consciousness researcher [[Susan Blackmore]], the author of ''[[The Meme Machine]]'', advocate for the field of [[memetics]], the study of memes and memeplexes. These thinkers argue that memes and memeplexes have a substantial influence on our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, shaping our cultural evolution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/dan_dennett_on_dangerous_memes.html|title=Dan Dennett: Dangerous memes - TED Talk - TED.com|author=Dan Dennett|work=ted.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richarddawkins.net/article,3001,QampA-with-Richard-Dawkins-after-lecture-at-UC-Berkeley,RichardDawkinsnet |title='Q&A with Richard Dawkins after lecture at UC Berkeley' by RichardDawkins.net - RichardDawkins.net |accessdate=August 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822192817/http://richarddawkins.net/article%2C3001%2CQampA-with-Richard-Dawkins-after-lecture-at-UC-Berkeley%2CRichardDawkinsnet |archivedate=August 22, 2008 }}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Metameme]] |
* [[Metameme]] |
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* [[The Selfish Gene]] |
* ''[[The Selfish Gene]]'' |
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* [[The Meme Machine]] |
* ''[[The Meme Machine]]'' |
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* [[Darwin's Dangerous Idea]] |
* ''[[Darwin's Dangerous Idea]]'' |
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* ''[[The Beginning of Infinity]]'' <ref>{{Cite book |last=Deutsch |first=David |title=The Beginning of Infinity |publisher=Allen Lane, (UK), Viking Press, (US) |year=2011 |isbn=9780713992748 |pages=Deutsch speculates on the process of human-culture development from a genetic basis through to a memetic emergence}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* [http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/journalism/NSmeme%201999.htm Susan Blackmore, "Meme, Myself And I"] |
* [http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/journalism/NSmeme%201999.htm Susan Blackmore, "Meme, Myself And I"] |
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* [http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/dan_dennett_on_dangerous_memes.html Daniel C. Dennett, "Ants, Terrorism, and the Awesome Power of Memes"; TED lecture, February, 2002] |
* [http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/dan_dennett_on_dangerous_memes.html Daniel C. Dennett, "Ants, Terrorism, and the Awesome Power of Memes"; TED lecture, February, 2002] |
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* [ |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080822192817/http://richarddawkins.net/article%2C3001%2CQampA-with-Richard-Dawkins-after-lecture-at-UC-Berkeley%2CRichardDawkinsnet Richard Dawkins, question and answer session at the University of California at Berkeley, March 8, 2008] |
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{{World view}} |
{{World view}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Cultural anthropology]] |
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[[Category:Concepts in the philosophy of mind]] |
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{{philosophy-stub}} |
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[[de:Memplex]] |
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Latest revision as of 19:14, 14 October 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2024) |
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The study of memes, units of cultural information, often involves the examination of meme complexes or memeplexes. Memeplexes, comparable to the gene complexes in biology, consist of a group of memes that are typically present in the same individual. This presence is due to the implementation of Universal Darwinism's theory, which postulates that memes can more effectively reproduce themselves when they collaborate or "team up".
Various manifestations of memeplexes can be observed in our everyday surroundings, and they usually have a profound impact on shaping individual and societal behaviors. Some of the most common examples include:
- Belief Systems and Ideologies:
- This refers to a wide array of constructs such as religions, philosophies, political alignments, and overall worldviews. All of these systems are composed of multiple interrelated memes that collectively form a cohesive belief system.
- Organizations and Groups:
- Entities such as churches, businesses, political parties, and clubs also illustrate memeplexes. These groups often share a common set of principles, rules, or beliefs that are propagated among their members.
- Behavioral Patterns:
- These include various cultural practices and routines, such as musical practices, ceremonies, marriage rituals, festivities, hunting techniques, and sports.
Contrary to inherited gene complexes, memeplexes encounter less pressure to provide benefits to the individuals exhibiting them for their replication. This distinction is because memes and memeplexes propagate virally via horizontal transmission, making their survival not solely dependent on the success of their hosts.
For memes and memeplexes to successfully replicate, they do not necessarily have to be useful, accurate, or factual. As an example, the geocentric model was a widely accepted concept despite its inaccuracies and has since been largely supplanted by more scientifically sound theories.
Prominent figures like philosopher Daniel C. Dennett, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, and consciousness researcher Susan Blackmore, the author of The Meme Machine, advocate for the field of memetics, the study of memes and memeplexes. These thinkers argue that memes and memeplexes have a substantial influence on our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, shaping our cultural evolution.[1][2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Dan Dennett. "Dan Dennett: Dangerous memes - TED Talk - TED.com". ted.com.
- ^ "'Q&A with Richard Dawkins after lecture at UC Berkeley' by RichardDawkins.net - RichardDawkins.net". Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. Retrieved August 21, 2008.
- ^ Deutsch, David (2011). The Beginning of Infinity. Allen Lane, (UK), Viking Press, (US). pp. Deutsch speculates on the process of human-culture development from a genetic basis through to a memetic emergence. ISBN 9780713992748.
- Susan Blackmore, "Meme, Myself And I"
- Daniel C. Dennett, "Ants, Terrorism, and the Awesome Power of Memes"; TED lecture, February, 2002
- Richard Dawkins, question and answer session at the University of California at Berkeley, March 8, 2008
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