Memetics as Heuristic Rhetoric
Abstract
This chapter introduces the idea of memes and memetics (the study or discourse of memes) as heuristic rhetoric. It offers a brief history of the term “meme” and discusses the inspirational analogy for memes, “genes”, as an exemplar for the idea of information transmission. The evolution of complexity by selection in nature and culture is presented as the basis for memetics. Evaluative critiques of memetics are outlined, along with the possibility of memetics and memes as having heuristic value.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Language and cultural evolution
Rhetoric and Communication Studies
Philosophy and History of Science
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 60–86
- Publication date
- 13 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter