Positivistic animism

Positivistic animism hypothesis states that some animistic memes belonging to determined culture and natural environment can be confirmed by positivism. These memes are therefore called positivistic animistic memes and can easily evolve towards Evolutionary Stable Strategy within the structure of simple and new memeplexes, if dissociated from the original memeplex.

The distinction between positivistic animistic memes and non positivistic animistic memes can only be done through scientific experimentation.

The main hypothesis for this theory is that there is the possibility that local animistic cultures carry memes that have positivistic properties.

Following this hypothesis, the following premises for the postulated theory are:

In a determined culture, local animism has memes that replicate knowledge gathered through trial and error over millennia – i.e. positivistic memes – these memes are by definition scientifically acquired and provable for that determined environment.

Modern science can study animistic practices and replicable components (memes) of a determined culture – it is possible to extricate animistic memes, and distinguish which ones are possible to prove scientifically, thus are positivistic memes for that specific local environment and which memes are purely derived from mysticism or have been carried in from different environments.

As conclusion, by extricate animistic memes from local memeplexes and disseminate the positivistic animistic memes associated to different and simple memeplexes, it is possible to act as an evolutionary force over the memes and memeplex.

If the theory is right, the dissemination of Positivistic Animism Memes will be done at minimum cost and effort and will facilitate the assimilation of memeplexes that are exterior to the culture as there is cultural ownership and identity over some memes that are part of the new memeplex. This theory provides a way of replacing obsolete memeplexes that hinder de development of society in the new globalised world. However, and because it requires the thorough and systematic study of culture and its memeplexes, will always store the information that these obsolete memeplexes contain.

Possible applications of positivistic animism:

If proven true, this theory can have applications in a wide range of natural and social sciences, and can be an interface between a scientific elite and illiterate populations. This theory can also prevent the loss of ancient positivistic knowledge and preserve live cultures in face of globalization.

For example, the application of this theory can foster a strong cultural sense that is likely to be both environmental sensitive and sustainably reproduced.

As most indigenous cultures nowadays are under enormous pressure of globalization, the Positivistic Animist Theory can give a way to preserve positivistic cultural elements alive in cultures. The study and recording of all components of culture, positivistic or not, is nevertheless of the utmost importance, as the positivistic properties are specific for a time and a place.

This theory is still in its phase of inception and has not being proved. The first step to test this theory is the identification of local animistic memes in a determined culture, and test if these memes are positivistic or not. The memes found positivistic can be then disseminated through communication channels and its acceptance in local culture should be tracked.