I'll have to do some reading before I can say much about
this. But I am very surprised that Dennett, of all people,
would use the word "mind" in a definition. Can you give
me a reference?
Of course, memes are absolutely dependent on the behaviour
of individuals. Back when humans produced no more cultural
artifacts than any other species, memes were nothing but
behaviour! And one that exists only in a book, having been
forgotten by everyone that once hosted it (or they're dead),
is certainly in a state of extreme dormancy until someone
reads it. I just don't want to say that a dormant meme has
ceased to be a meme, until it suddenly becomes one again.
But I guess this issue could be purely semantic.
-- Robin