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{{Infobox Person
{{Infobox Person
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| name = Susan Blackmore
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In 1973, Susan Blackmore graduated from [[St. Hilda's College, Oxford]], with a BA (Hons) in [[psychology]] and [[physiology]]. She went on to do a postgraduate degree in [[environmental psychology]] at the [[University of Surrey]], achieving an MSc in 1974. In 1980, she got her [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] in [[parapsychology]] from the same university, her thesis being entitled "Extrasensory Perception as a Cognitive Process." After some period of time spent in research on [[parapsychology]] and the [[paranormal]].<ref>Blackmore, 1986, p.163</ref> her attitude towards the field moved from belief to scepticism.<ref>Blackmore, 1987, p.249</ref> She is a Fellow of the [[CSICOP|Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP)]] and in 1991 was awarded the CSICOP Distinguished Skeptic Award.<ref> [http://www.skepticalinvestigations.org/whoswho/index.htm A Who's Who of Media Skeptics: Skeptics or Dogmatists?]. Accessed 2008-06-03.</ref>
In 1973, Susan Blackmore graduated from [[St. Hilda's College, Oxford]], with a BA (Hons) in [[psychology]] and [[physiology]]. She went on to do a postgraduate degree in [[environmental psychology]] at the [[University of Surrey]], achieving an MSc in 1974. In 1980, she got her [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] in [[parapsychology]] from the same university, her thesis being entitled "Extrasensory Perception as a Cognitive Process." After some period of time spent in research on [[parapsychology]] and the [[paranormal]].<ref>Blackmore, 1986, p.163</ref> her attitude towards the field moved from belief to scepticism.<ref>Blackmore, 1987, p.249</ref> She is a Fellow of the [[CSICOP|Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP)]] and in 1991 was awarded the CSICOP Distinguished Skeptic Award.<ref> [http://www.skepticalinvestigations.org/whoswho/index.htm A Who's Who of Media Skeptics: Skeptics or Dogmatists?]. Accessed 2008-06-03.</ref>


Blackmore has done research on [[meme]]s (which she wrote about in her popular book ''The Meme Machine'') and [[Evolution|evolutionary theory]]. Her book ''Consciousness: An Introduction'' (2004), is a [[textbook]] that broadly covers the field of [[consciousness]] studies. She was on the editorial board for the ''[[Journal of Memetics]]'' (an [[electronic journal]]) from 1997 to 2001, and has been a consulting editor of the ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' since 1998.
Blackmore has done research on [[meme]]s (which she wrote about in her popular book ''The Meme Machine'') and [[Evolution|evolutionary theory]]. Her book ''Consciousness: An Introduction'' (2004), is a [[textbook]] that broadly covers the field of [[consciousness]] studies. She was on the editorial board for the ''[[Journal of Memetics]]'' (an [[electronic journal]]) from 1997 to 2001, and has been a consulting editor of the ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' since 1998.{{Fact|date=December 2008}}


She has appeared on [[television]] a number of times, discussing such paranormal phenomena as [[ghost]]s, [[extra-sensory perception]], [[intelligent design]], the [[Multiverse (science)|multiverse]], and [[out-of-body experience]]s, in what she describes as the "unenviable role of 'rent-a-sceptic,'" and she has also presented a show on [[alien abduction]]s. Another programme which she has presented discusses the [[intelligence (trait)|intelligence]] of [[ape]]s.
She has appeared on [[television]] a number of times, discussing such paranormal phenomena as [[ghost]]s, [[extra-sensory perception]], [[intelligent design]], the [[Multiverse (science)|multiverse]], and [[out-of-body experience]]s, in what she describes as the "unenviable role of 'rent-a-sceptic,'" and she has also presented a show on [[alien abduction]]s. Another programme which she has presented discusses the [[intelligence (trait)|intelligence]] of [[ape]]s.{{Fact|date=December 2008}}


She acted as one of the [[psychologist]]s who featured on the British version of the television show "[[Big Brother television program|Big Brother]]," speaking about the psychological state of the contestants. She is a Distinguished Supporter of the [[British Humanist Association]].
She acted as one of the [[psychologist]]s who featured on the British version of the television show "[[Big Brother television program|Big Brother]]," speaking about the psychological state of the contestants. She is a Distinguished Supporter of the [[British Humanist Association]].{{Fact|date=December 2008}}


== Memetics ==
== Memetics ==
Susan Blackmore has made contributions to the field of [[memetics]]. Her clearly written works are aimed at a wide readership. The term ''[[:wiktionary:meme|meme]]'' was coined by [[Richard Dawkins]] in his 1976 book ''[[The Selfish Gene]]'' and although the term has been widely used it is often misunderstood. Blackmore's book ''The Meme Machine'' is perhaps the most thorough introduction to memetics. In his foreword to this work, Dawkins said 'Any theory deserves to be given its best shot, and this is what Susan Blackmore has done for the theory of the meme.' Other treatments of memes can be found in the works of Robert Aunger: ''The Electric Meme'', and Jon Whitty: ''A Memetic Paradigm of Project Management''.<ref>[http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv.php?pid=UQ:8801&dsID=sjw_ijpm_05.pdf A Memetic Paradigm of Project Management]</ref>
Susan Blackmore has made contributions to the field of [[memetics]]. Her clearly written works are aimed at a wide readership. The term ''[[:wiktionary:meme|meme]]'' was coined by [[Richard Dawkins]] in his 1976 book ''[[The Selfish Gene]]'' and although the term has been widely used it is often misunderstood.{{or}} Blackmore's book ''The Meme Machine'' is perhaps the most thorough introduction to memetics.{{or}} In his foreword to this work, Dawkins said 'Any theory deserves to be given its best shot, and this is what Susan Blackmore has done for the theory of the meme.'{{cite quote}} Other treatments of memes can be found in the works of Robert Aunger: ''The Electric Meme'', and Jon Whitty: ''A Memetic Paradigm of Project Management''.<ref>[http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv.php?pid=UQ:8801&dsID=sjw_ijpm_05.pdf A Memetic Paradigm of Project Management]</ref>


Blackmore's treatment of memetics insists that memes are true [[evolution]]ary replicators, a second replicator that like [[genetics]] is subject to the [[Darwinian algorithm]] and undergoes evolutionary change. Her prediction on the central role played by imitation as the cultural replicator and the [[neural]] structures that must be unique to [[human]]s necessary to support them have recently been confirmed by research on [[mirror neurons]] and the differences in extent of these structures between humans and our closest ape relations.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
Blackmore's treatment of memetics insists that memes are true [[evolution]]ary replicators, a second replicator that like [[genetics]] is subject to the [[Darwinian algorithm]] and undergoes evolutionary change. Her prediction on the central role played by imitation as the cultural replicator and the [[neural]] structures that must be unique to [[human]]s necessary to support them have recently been confirmed by research on [[mirror neurons]] and the differences in extent of these structures between humans and our closest ape relations.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}


In her work on memetics she has emphasized the role that Darwinian mechanisms play in cultural evolution and has helped develop the field of [[Universal Darwinism]].
In her work on memetics she has emphasized the role that Darwinian mechanisms play in cultural evolution and has helped develop the field of [[Universal Darwinism]].{{Fact|date=December 2008}}


At the Feb 2008 TED conference Blackmore introduced a special category of memes called ''temes''. Temes are memes which live in technological artifacts instead of the human mind.
At the Feb 2008 TED conference Blackmore introduced a special category of memes called ''temes''. Temes are memes which live in technological artifacts instead of the human mind.{{Fact|date=December 2008}}


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
In 1977, she married fellow academic Tom Troscianko, and they had two children: Emily Tamarisk Troscianko (born 1982) and Jolyon Tomasz Troscianko (born 1984). She now lives in Bristol with the television presenter and scientist [[Adam Hart-Davis]].
In 1977, she married fellow academic Tom Troscianko, and they had two children: Emily Tamarisk Troscianko (born 1982) and Jolyon Tomasz Troscianko (born 1984). She now lives in Bristol with the television presenter and scientist [[Adam Hart-Davis]].{{Fact|date=December 2008}}


Blackmore is an active practitioner of [[Zen]], although she identifies herself as "not a [[Buddhist]]".<ref>[http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Zen/intro.htm Dr. Susan Blackmore<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Blackmore is an [[atheist]] who has criticised [[religion]] sharply, having said, for instance, that "all kinds of infectious memes thrive in religions, in spite of being false, such as the idea of a creator god, [[virgin birth]]s, the subservience of women, [[transubstantiation]], and many more. In the major religions, they are backed up by admonitions to have [[faith]] not doubt, and by untestable but ferocious rewards and punishments."<ref>[http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Chapters/NeurotheologyZen.htm Dr. Susan Blackmore<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Blackmore is an active practitioner of [[Zen]], although she identifies herself as "not a [[Buddhist]]".<ref>[http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Zen/intro.htm Dr. Susan Blackmore<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Blackmore is an [[atheist]] who has criticised [[religion]] sharply, having said, for instance, that "all kinds of infectious memes thrive in religions, in spite of being false, such as the idea of a creator god, [[virgin birth]]s, the subservience of women, [[transubstantiation]], and many more. In the major religions, they are backed up by admonitions to have [[faith]] not doubt, and by untestable but ferocious rewards and punishments."<ref>[http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Chapters/NeurotheologyZen.htm Dr. Susan Blackmore<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Revision as of 05:02, 27 December 2008

Susan Blackmore
File:Susan blackmore.jpg
Susan Blackmore
Born
Susan Jane Blackmore

(1951-07-29) 29 July 1951 (age 73)
EducationSt. Hilda's College, Oxford,
University of Surrey
Occupation(s)Freelance writer,
Lecturer,
Broadcaster
PartnerAdam Hart-Davis
WebsiteOfficial Website

Susan Jane Blackmore (born 29 July, 1951) is an English freelance writer, lecturer, and broadcaster on psychology and the paranormal, perhaps best known for her book The Meme Machine.

Career

In 1973, Susan Blackmore graduated from St. Hilda's College, Oxford, with a BA (Hons) in psychology and physiology. She went on to do a postgraduate degree in environmental psychology at the University of Surrey, achieving an MSc in 1974. In 1980, she got her Ph.D. in parapsychology from the same university, her thesis being entitled "Extrasensory Perception as a Cognitive Process." After some period of time spent in research on parapsychology and the paranormal.[1] her attitude towards the field moved from belief to scepticism.[2] She is a Fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and in 1991 was awarded the CSICOP Distinguished Skeptic Award.[3]

Blackmore has done research on memes (which she wrote about in her popular book The Meme Machine) and evolutionary theory. Her book Consciousness: An Introduction (2004), is a textbook that broadly covers the field of consciousness studies. She was on the editorial board for the Journal of Memetics (an electronic journal) from 1997 to 2001, and has been a consulting editor of the Skeptical Inquirer since 1998.[citation needed]

She has appeared on television a number of times, discussing such paranormal phenomena as ghosts, extra-sensory perception, intelligent design, the multiverse, and out-of-body experiences, in what she describes as the "unenviable role of 'rent-a-sceptic,'" and she has also presented a show on alien abductions. Another programme which she has presented discusses the intelligence of apes.[citation needed]

She acted as one of the psychologists who featured on the British version of the television show "Big Brother," speaking about the psychological state of the contestants. She is a Distinguished Supporter of the British Humanist Association.[citation needed]

Memetics

Susan Blackmore has made contributions to the field of memetics. Her clearly written works are aimed at a wide readership. The term meme was coined by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene and although the term has been widely used it is often misunderstood.[original research?] Blackmore's book The Meme Machine is perhaps the most thorough introduction to memetics.[original research?] In his foreword to this work, Dawkins said 'Any theory deserves to be given its best shot, and this is what Susan Blackmore has done for the theory of the meme.'[This quote needs a citation] Other treatments of memes can be found in the works of Robert Aunger: The Electric Meme, and Jon Whitty: A Memetic Paradigm of Project Management.[4]

Blackmore's treatment of memetics insists that memes are true evolutionary replicators, a second replicator that like genetics is subject to the Darwinian algorithm and undergoes evolutionary change. Her prediction on the central role played by imitation as the cultural replicator and the neural structures that must be unique to humans necessary to support them have recently been confirmed by research on mirror neurons and the differences in extent of these structures between humans and our closest ape relations.[citation needed]

In her work on memetics she has emphasized the role that Darwinian mechanisms play in cultural evolution and has helped develop the field of Universal Darwinism.[citation needed]

At the Feb 2008 TED conference Blackmore introduced a special category of memes called temes. Temes are memes which live in technological artifacts instead of the human mind.[citation needed]

Personal life

In 1977, she married fellow academic Tom Troscianko, and they had two children: Emily Tamarisk Troscianko (born 1982) and Jolyon Tomasz Troscianko (born 1984). She now lives in Bristol with the television presenter and scientist Adam Hart-Davis.[citation needed]

Blackmore is an active practitioner of Zen, although she identifies herself as "not a Buddhist".[5] Blackmore is an atheist who has criticised religion sharply, having said, for instance, that "all kinds of infectious memes thrive in religions, in spite of being false, such as the idea of a creator god, virgin births, the subservience of women, transubstantiation, and many more. In the major religions, they are backed up by admonitions to have faith not doubt, and by untestable but ferocious rewards and punishments."[6]

Quotes

  • Parapsychology seems to be growing further away from the progress and excitement of the rest of consciousness studies.[7]
  • If everyone understood evolution, then the tyranny of religious memes would be weakened, and we little humans might find a better way to live in this pointless universe.[8]
  • The other key to my failures seemed to be belief. I was told that I didn’t get results because I didn’t believe strongly enough in psi, because I didn’t have an open mind![9]
  • The way I really think is more like this “I am a scientist. I think the way to the truth is by investigation. I suspect that telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis and life after death do not exist because I have been looking in vain for them for 25 years. I have been wrong lots of times before and am not afraid of it”.[10]

Books

  • Beyond the Body: An Investigation of Out-Of-The-Body Experiences, Academy Chicago Publishers, 1983, ISBN 0-586-08428-2 (first edition), ISBN 0-89733-344-6 (second edition)
  • In Search of the Light: The Adventures of a Parapsychologist, Prometheus Books, 1987, ISBN 0-87975-360-9 (first edition), ISBN 1-57392-061-4 (second edition, 1996)
  • Dying to Live: Near-Death Experiences, Prometheus Books, 1993, ISBN 0-87975-870-8
  • Test Your Psychic Powers, with Adam Hart-Davis, Thorsons Publishing, 1995, ISBN 1-85538-441-8, ISBN 0-8069-9669-2 (reprint edition)
  • The Meme Machine, Oxford University Press, reprint edition 2000, ISBN 0-19-286212-X
  • Consciousness: An Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2003, ISBN 0-19-515342-1 (hardcover), ISBN 0-19-515343-X (paperback)
  • Consciousness: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2005, ISBN 0-19-280585-1
  • Conversations on Consciousness Oxford University Press, 2005 ISBN 0-19-280622-X

Further reading

  • "The Elusive Open Mind: Ten Years of Negative Research in Parapsychology", Skeptical Inquirer, 11:244-55. available online

Notes

  1. ^ Blackmore, 1986, p.163
  2. ^ Blackmore, 1987, p.249
  3. ^ A Who's Who of Media Skeptics: Skeptics or Dogmatists?. Accessed 2008-06-03.
  4. ^ A Memetic Paradigm of Project Management
  5. ^ Dr. Susan Blackmore
  6. ^ Dr. Susan Blackmore
  7. ^ Skeptic's Dictionary Newsletter 74
  8. ^ Guardian | Life lessons
  9. ^ The Elusive Open Mind: Ten Years of
  10. ^ Dr. Susan Blackmore
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