RE: [asa] Silent MNism was [Definition for MN in PSCF 2007]

"Yes, ideas 'change.' But we've already distinguished here on the ASA
list that 'evolve' and 'change' are not synonyms"

Evolution: Descent with modification... for the better even. How does
that not fit the history of math? Of course ideas aren't biological.
If they were, it would be controlled by genes. Since they aren't, but
are mental, they are memes.

I think the idea of a meme is brilliant, even if it did come from a
militant atheist.

You asked if I'm a "natural scientist." I don't know... what are my
other options? "Super-natural scientist?" Let me know the options, and
I'll choose one.

...Bernie

________________________________

From: Gregory Arago [mailto:gregoryarago@yahoo.ca]
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 4:50 PM
To: Dehler, Bernie; asa@calvin.edu
Subject: RE: [asa] Silent MNism was [Definition for MN in PSCF 2007]

So you've swallowed Richard Dawkins' idea of 'memes' whole, have you? Or
is it Susan Blackmore you've taken 'memes' from? If you're a natural
scientist (are you?), then reading Rev'd A. McGrath might help to set
you straight about 'memes'.

Yes, ideas 'change.' But we've already distinguished here on the ASA
list that 'evolve' and 'change' are not synonyms. Surely you're not
arguing that 'ideas' are 'biological' things?

Mathematics might be the last discipline by priority to help you here.

G.A.

"Dehler, Bernie" <bernie.dehler@intel.com> wrote:

        Gregory Arago said:

        "p.s. to Poe and Mytyk - 'ideas' don't 'evolve'; they are not
biological 'things' (e.g. 'res cogitans')"

        I think ideas do evolve. Memes, as compared to genes. They
evolve from simple ideas to more complex. For just one obvious example,
math:

        1. counting

        2. adding

        3. subtraction

        4. add/subtract with carry's and borrows

        5. multiplication/division

        6. algebra

        7. geometry

        8. calculus

        Etc.

        Yes, not sequentially, but as a tree like bio evolution.

        ...Bernie

________________________________

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Received on Thu Nov 29 20:02:46 2007