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Revision as of 15:38, 30 June 2007

A "meme" is a shorthand designation for the acceptance and flow of an idea within a culture.

Origin of Concept

Genetic Analogy

The concept of a "meme" was popularized, and maybe created, in 1976[1] by Richard Dawkins. He submits it as a term to denote a "unit of cultural information" which disceminates from one person's mind to another in a manner analogous to the inheritance of genetic information.

Memeplexes or meme-complexes.

Transmission of Memes

Evolution

Examples of Memes

  • musical tunes
  • style of cultural components
    • buildings
    • fashion
  • common catch-phrases
  • belief systems
    • religions


The Meme Debate

Proponents of the Idea

Proponents suggest memes evolve through natural selection. This would be like biological evolution. A meme would change / mutate through its propagation in the culture.

Critics of the Idea

External Links

References

  1. Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene. "Memes:The new replicators", Oxford University, 1976, Second Edition, December 1989

Media & Articles