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Memes shape brains shape memes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 2008

Susan Blackmore
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, School of Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdomsusan.blackmore@blueyonder.co.ukwww.susanblackmore.co.uk

Abstract

Christiansen & Chater's (C&C's) arguments share with memetics the ideas that language is an evolving organism and that brain capacities shape language by influencing the fitness of memes, although memetics also claims that memes in turn shape brains. Their rejection of meme theory is based on falsely claiming that memes must be consciously selected by sighted watchmakers.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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