Do dogs share memes?
Gregory Thomas wrote:
> Do dogs share memes?
My answer is probably - a few nonverbal ones perhaps - but I cant think of one
or how it would be tranmitted.
>
>
> What is lowest level of consciousness where transmission of memes could be
> said to be observable?
I assume you mean - animal level of consciousness - not "sleep - awake" level.
I would guess that the great apes probably have a few that could be traced,
thoug i have not made the attempt. Apes do mimic and learn from each other -
probably more than we think, their brains are also capable of understanding
the spoken language quite easily, they just cant verbalize themselves. I
suppose if you define a meme loosley enough, and define consciousness loosly
enough, then many of the higher mammals probably have some sort of memeset.
If animals below us and the apes do have memes, we might have trouble
recognizing the behaviour as such anyway.
> How does the level of consciousness change the transmission of memes?
>
It seems to me that meme's travel best when there is a fast communications
means for them to travel on. Language, sound and imagery are obvios good
choices. At our level of consciousness, these transmission modes are fast and
efficient. I suppose the best form of transmission is one that is easiest for
the potentionl host to absorb. Dogs, which cant understand the language, might
learn best from observation and repetition. Bonobos (pigmy chimps) can
understand every word you say (if you are speaking the same language they
understand" and so speaking might be the best way for them.
> Gregory Thomas
> 121 Rachel Carson Way
> Ithaca, NY 14850
> g_thomas@compuserve.com
> 607-277-6240
> 607-277-6224 fax
Bill Roh
a.k.a Sodom
P.S. Gregory, it might be best if you did not use your full address and phone
number on your posts - this group is a good one, but not all groups are full
of nice people.