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A continuum of mindfulness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 November 2006

Daniel Dennett*
Affiliation:
Center for Cognitive Studies, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155http://ase.tufts.edu/cogstud/incbios/dennettd/dennettd.htm, http://homepage.mac.com/ryantmckay/
Ryan McKay*
Affiliation:
Center for Cognitive Studies, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155http://ase.tufts.edu/cogstud/incbios/dennettd/dennettd.htm, http://homepage.mac.com/ryantmckay/

Abstract:

Mesoudi et al. overlook an illuminating parallel between cultural and biological evolution, namely, the existence in each realm of a continuum from intelligent, mindful evolution through to oblivious, mindless evolution. In addition, they underplay the independence of cultural fitness from biological fitness. The assumption that successful cultural traits enhance genetic fitness must be sidelined, as must the assumption that such traits will at least be considered worth having.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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