List,
I think the above is the crux of the matter. Is the universe relativistic
or mechanistic (If the first, everything is equal but nothing matters: If
the second, nothing is equal and everything has an effect). This may also
be similar to seeing society as a Democracy (where everyone is equal) vs. a
Capitalistic Society (where we are born equal but some work harder and so
survive better). Similarly, I contend that the distinction is also seen in
Protestantism v. Catholicism--in a more confusing manner; that is, in
Protestantism we are all Sons of God and Brothers of Christ/equally
accountable...in Catholicism there is a hierarchy with the Pope at the top
and God next/with a chosen people (perhaps...at least with certain priests
who can act in God's name to forgive everyone else); But, Catholicism seems
to require that we ritualize behavior becoming more alike and Protestentism
seems to require that those who work harder are better (the Protestant work
ethic).
Finally, the distinction between memetics and genetics applies. Genetics
says that we are equal (chance combination) and must work to advance
(competition): Memetics says that we are unequal (ordered combination) and
advancement is by "design" (that is, the meme is designed in such a way as
to evolve "purposefully"; though most would deny that this implies either
that the meme is "intelligent" or that the purposefulness of the meme
implies an intelligent "Creator").
The question might be restated: Is there evidence of order in nature;
and/or, do certain causes have predictable (ordered) effects. I say that it
is important to humanity that we can--at least--APPLY an order to
things...that we can see logic, reason, meaning, purpose, advancement, etc.
I think the memetic argument speaks to these needs better than the genetic
argument.
Brett
Brett Lane Robertson
http://www.window.to/mindrec
MindRec ICQ "chat" UIN 6630756
Wisdom is knowing when you cannot be wise.
Anon