The Metaphysics of Memes

Prashant Kumar (Jawaharlal Nehru University)

This talk explores the metaphysical dimensions of memes, deciphering their ontological status, modes of existence, and their capacity for shaping human consciousness in a new digital era. The discussion runs around the concept of memes as abstract informational entities, constructing its teleo-ontological reality between mental and virtual. By evaluating their role(s) in shaping human consciousness, collective identity and their collective consciousness, and in turn framing ground for a new “reality”, the study interrogates whether memes possess intrinsic meaning or whether their construction is entirely context-dependent. Conclusively, the metaphysical investigation of memes offers a novel framework for considering how digital information reshapes ontological categories and challenges classical metaphysical distinctions.