Kevin Aylward B.Sc.
These papers forms an outline of the basics as to why individuals are what they are based on the theory of gene-meme interaction, subject only to the Darwinian axioms of random variation, selection and replication. The theory of evolutionary selection of Replicators is a simple one, but essentially, just the natural extension, of the standard biology of theory of evolutionary of genes. It requires only a few basic assumptions or postulates, such that essential results can be derived from those postulates.
An overview of these papers, and contrasts to alternative descriptions of gene-meme interactions, are highlighted in the Introduction.
One of the principal attributes of the theory, is an explanation of why the behavior of men and women are fundamentally different. Why have codes of conduct developed that are decidedly asymmetrical? How has culture evolved and why does much of it appear to have no biological evolutionary advantage?
These questions are explained quite naturally under the overall concept of general evolution, which is referred to here as General Replicator Theory, which is a theory based only on Darwinian axioms and concepts.
It is not the intent to go into the any specific technical details of genes or memes as this is not necessary to gain an understanding of the theory. In fact, the basic postulates and the deductions from the postulates do not care what particular method is applicable at all. The principles work, independent of the actual physical mechanisms.
To clarify, General Replicator Theory, is a Black Box Theory. It doesn't care about any specific details of the physical processes actually implemented in the human Replicator. All that matters is that some very general properties are satisfied.
The explanations presented here are based on the notion of a general Replicator. That is, the idea that there is a physical machine (a Replicator) that replicates entities (Replicants), and which may or not replicate themselves, subject to a Darwinian process. A summary of a principle result is:
That which is mostly observed, is that which replicates the most.
This statement, is in essence, a tautology. Indeed, it is more often known as "survival of the fittest".
It will be argued that much of human behavior and culture, e.g. love, hate, anger, do not kill, are a simple a logical consequence of Replicators doing what they do best, i.e. they replicate.
1 Simple definitions and some very simple assumptions are made concerning the theory.
2 A simple mathematical argument is then made from the assumptions.
3 Traits such as emotions, morals and fashions are defined and identified as satisfying the assumptions of the mathematics.
4 Behavior is than deduced from the mathematical results.
General Replicator Theory Applications
A typical application of General Replicator Theory, is to calculate the population distribution of Replicators, and the population distribution of the genes and memes within a Replicator. The Replicator in this case, the human being, with its memes being aspects such as general language and culture. However, in many cases, very useful results may be deduced with very simple models.
Food for Thought
The fundamental perceived function of consciousness is to maximize Replicator numbers.
consciousness - perceived understanding of what behavior to take that attempts to maximize Replicator's numbers, in a given environment.
"Understanding" itself requires consciousness, therefore consciousness cannot be "understood" without referring to itself for the explanation, therefore the "hard problem" of consciousness, is intrinsically unsolvable as it is self referral.
"I now understand how inanimate matter results in consciousness. What do you mean by "understand"? Understanding is that quality which results when one has consciousness".
Physics is proven incomplete, that is, no understanding of the parts of a system can explain all aspects of the whole of such system.
Adaptability to all environments requires adaptable physical action. Fully adaptable physical action requires programmable emotions as emotions instigate physical action. Emotions (gene traits) are programmed by morals (meme traits). Morals are programmed by the environment. Emotions require consciousness.
The brain is a Darwinian machine, residing in a Darwinian environment.
Applications of General Replicator TheoryMale-Female Behavior
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Last updated 25th October. 2006
Copyright © Kevin Aylward 1997-2006.