The social cell.

An essay is presented on the use of cell biology concepts to explain social and cultural mechanisms, arguing that like biological cells, social cells must also find and metabolize energy, preserve and defend themselves, evolve, and reproduce. Examples are presented of social cells with similar mecha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:New Statesman Vol. 140; no. 5084/5085; pp. 48 - 53
Main Author: Dennett, Daniel
Format: Essay
Published: New Statesman Ltd. 12/19/2011
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Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:An essay is presented on the use of cell biology concepts to explain social and cultural mechanisms, arguing that like biological cells, social cells must also find and metabolize energy, preserve and defend themselves, evolve, and reproduce. Examples are presented of social cells with similar mechanisms, such as the Japanese tea ceremony, Ponzi schemes, and certain Christian churches.