I fond this on ETHICS-L, but maybe, some of you might be interested. Sincerely Rainer .----------------------------------------------------------------------. | Rainer M. Woitok | Phone : (+49-9131) 85-7811,-7031 | | Regionales Rechenzentrum | Fax : (+49-9131) 30 29 41 | | Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet | Telex : d 629 755 tf erl | | D-8520 Erlangen | e-Mail : [log in to unmask] | | West Germany | | '----------------------------------------------------------------------' ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- please post and distribute to investigators of: ========================== * human and machine intelligence * knowledge systems * computational linguistics * natural languages * theoretical biology * population genetics * ethology / cultural ecology * information storage and transfer * learning and teaching systems * philosophy of knowledge * philosophy and history of science ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEW JOURNAL ANNOUNCEMENT & CALL FOR PAPERS ...................... . . . JOURNAL of IDEAS . ...................... IMR, BOX 16327, PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA 32406, USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Institute for Memetic Research [IMR] is publishing a new journal called 'Journal of Ideas'. The main purpose of the journal is to provide an archival forum for discussion of the genesis, evolution, competition and death of 'ideas' and 'memes'. The term 'idea' is one that requires careful discussion. The original term 'meme' [pronounced: meem] is a conceptual construct introduced by Richard Dawkins to describe units of cultural transmission and imitation. IMR uses the term 'meme' as a point of departure for an area we call 'Memetic Science'. Ultimately, 'meme' requires further definition and clarification. The primary thesis of Memetic Science is that 'ideas' and 'memes' are entities that are functionally similar to biological genes in their ability to replicate, mutate, and undergo natural selection. What are sought in Memetic Science are: rigorous quantitative foundations, theory, and experimental methodology and measurements. The history of the study of 'ideas'-as-entities-by-themselves is ancient. From Plato & Aristotle, through Locke, Hume, Descartes, Kant and modern philosophers, we have a variety of qualitative theories and speculations. Logic theory, philology, modern linguistics, and computer oriented technologies, have provided a start in the area of understanding structures, grammars, and truth conditions of sentences and small collections of sentences. Population geneticists and biologists have provided initial models for spread of 'cultural' constructs. These models incorporate the techniques of dominant/recessive allele spreading in genetic pools and epidemiological approaches. Some models use compound constructs of 'gene + culture' elements as the particulate elements that replicate and propagate. While the contributions from these diverse disciplines are useful, there are needs for systematic, robust and, most importantly, quantitative approaches. Present day applications of Memetic Science include both human aspects of replication, mutation, competition, spread and death of ideas and memes, as well as their electronic analogs. The 'electronic memes' are beneficial messages, reusable subroutines, programs that are freely [or surreptitiously] copied and modified, computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, etc. To address the needs stated above the Institute for Memetic Research is launching the Journal of Ideas (first issue printing, September 1990). The detailed statement of scope, pivotal references, subscription information, and instruction for authors is available upon written request from: Elan Moritz, Editor Journal of Ideas The Institute for Memetic Research Box 16327 Panama City, Florida 32406, USA email address: INTERNET: [log in to unmask] or INET: [log in to unmask] The Journal of Ideas will appear [initially] quarterly, and will contain the following reqular sections: 1) Invited papers, 2) Research Contributions, 3) Rapid Publications and 4) Discussion of persistence and spread of existing 'Major Ideas'. Only previously unpublished papers will be accepted. Page charges for invited papers will be waived. Brevity, and jargon accessible to interdisciplinary researchers are encouraged. Standard transfer of copyrights is required prior to printing. To encourage participation and discussion of this new area, IMR/JoI will experiment with two categories of papers. One category will be strictly reviewed and refereed, while another will be reviewed by the editor but not refereed. Non-refereed papers will be so marked; they will have the advantages of rapid publication and possible disadvantages of archival of errors. To expedite processing, authors can immediately submit papers prepared according to a standard professional society [e.g. IEEE, AIP, APS] journal manuscript format. Three copies are required. On an experimental basis, authors who would like to submit papers for rapid publication using email may submit papers using the internet address [INTERNET: [log in to unmask]]. These papers should consist of ASCII text only, with equations built up carefully using ASCII text. Papers submitted through email should be followed up by submitting a written version via regular postal channels. Readers of this message are encouraged to suggest topics and individuals [including themselves] to be considered for invited papers. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PLEASE POST: CALL FOR PAPERS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++