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Evolution for our time: a theory of legal memetics

Author

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  • Simon Deakin

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance for legal thought of recent developments in evolutionary theory which are associated with the notion of 'memetics'. 'Memetics' aims to account for processes of cultural transmission and change using a version of the 'genetic metaphor'. This is the idea that patterns of cultural evolution are closely analogous to those which occur in the natural world as a result of the interaction between genes, organisms and environments. At a further, more ambitious level, the initial metaphor gives way to a search for mechanisms which unite biological and cultural evolution. Identifying these general evolutionary mechanisms is part of a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary research agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Deakin, 2002. "Evolution for our time: a theory of legal memetics," Working Papers wp242, Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cbr:cbrwps:wp242
    Note: PRO-2
    as

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    File URL: https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/cbrwp242/
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Goodenough Oliver R., 2011. "When "Stuff Happens" Isn't Enough: How An Evolutionary Theory of Doctrinal and Legal System Development Can Enrich Comparative Legal Studies," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 7(3), pages 805-820, December.
    2. Lourenço, A., 2010. "Autopoetic Social Systems Theory: The Co-evolution of Law and the Economy," Working Papers wp409, Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge.
    3. Du Laing Bart, 2011. "Bio-Legal History, Dual Inheritance Theory and Naturalistic Comparative Law: On Content and Context Biases in Legal Evolution," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 7(3), pages 685-709, December.
    4. Mathias M Siems, 2006. "Legal origins: reconciling law and finance and comparative law," Working Papers wp321, Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    legal evolution; memes; path dependence; employment contract; corporate governance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K22 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Business and Securities Law
    • K31 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Labor Law

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