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Human algorithms are contagious but not genetic

63 points| goldfish | 4 years ago |adamjuliangoldstein.com | reply

13 comments

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[+] datameta|4 years ago|reply
A well-thought out use of the scientific method to prove, in a way, that nurture is more a more advanced tool for change than nature is.
[+] wizzwizz4|4 years ago|reply
Where's the scientific method in this article?
[+] hoseja|4 years ago|reply
I know it's just an example but there is less drag the higher you go, unless you are thinking of some kind of ground-effect.

I am physically repulsed by the word "founder" when used to signify some sort of holy class of ascended beings.

Memes evolve too and have been dominant since about the invention of agriculture.

[+] goldfish|4 years ago|reply
Hi Hoseja—

I am indeed talking about ground effect–that's why I included a link for "flying close to the surface reduces aerodynamic drag" which explains how it works.

I also specifically addressed how algorithms differ from memes in footnotes 4 and 14.

Curious to get your thoughts.

[+] beecafe|4 years ago|reply
Perhaps human algorithms are more like proteins, assembling together according to their types.
[+] Nav_Panel|4 years ago|reply
This is the proper Kantian answer. Certain basic human capacities are innate (e.g. perceptual grasp of relative object size), but it is through socialization processes that these capacites are "assembled" into knowledge and meaning.

A Freudian take that applies more to behavior in the workplace is that certain drives are innate to the organism and require discharge lest tension builds up, and it is through learned "algorithms" that we find acceptable ways to relieve these tensions.

[+] foxhop|4 years ago|reply
The Trivium:

Input, Process, Output

Another name for algorithm is process. From the smallest objects to the largest, our universe follows this same pattern of as above so below.

[+] kwiriy|4 years ago|reply
Awesome Post, thank you for sharing Adam!
[+] seventytwo|4 years ago|reply
A long-winded post for the well-established idea that patterns and systems of thought can be passed between people and down through generations.

Maybe I’m missing something?

[+] xtiansimon|4 years ago|reply
Are you referring to the Dawkins meme, or something else?