Introduction

The question that the reader should keep in mind is: Whither memetics? This book aims to see where a reasonable consensus might fall on this spectrum of opinion regarding the utility of the meme concept. As might be expected, perhaps the most fascinating tract lies squarely in the middle: in the temperate zone between the extremes of hot and cold. And some of the middle ground is taken by those who are memes' most ardent defenders. Finding whether memes can explain a comparatively wide range of phenomena vitally relies on determining what memes are. The explanatory target of memetics is culture. Explanation on the linking of memes to culture is provided. The chapters of this book present voices from the range of opinions currently available on the topic of memes. It can be stated that a variety of stances can be legitimately taken with respect to the notion of memes; or at least the current implementation of the notion.