Behavioral and Brain Sciences



Open Peer Commentary

Why we need memetics


Susan Blackmore a1
a1 31 Berkeley Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8HF, United Kingdom. susan.blackmore@blueyonder.co.uk http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/index.htm

Article author query
blackmore s   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 

Abstract

Memes are not best understood as semantic information stored in brains, but rather, as whatever is imitated or copied in culture. Whereas other theories treat culture as an adaptation, for memetics it is a parasite turned symbiont that evolves for its own sake. Memetics is essential for understanding today's information explosion and the future evolution of culture.

(Published Online November 9 2006)