>How does one explain the Metaphysics of Quality in 45 minutes
>or less to people who have never heard of it? That is, how
>does one reduce the MOQ to a catechism?
Good question. I'm going to step out on a limb here... This approach
has had some success with "normal" coach potato intellectuals. A
description first...
Basically, this approach is almost a reversal of the way Pirsig
introduced us to MoQ -- it starts with a description/general explanation
of the static patterns of quality, initially not named. The use of an
example here really works well -- any of the typical social-intellectual
(or whatever fits) "conflicts" not only show something the current view
of the listener can't currently explain, but almost serves as a "hook"
to the listener. 90% of the time, an "oh, that makes sense -- maybe
this MoQ thing is worth looking into" look results -- and with that
follows genuine interest. Then, name those static patterns and build to
the notion of Dynamic Quality -- easily (initially) explained as a
source of change. Now, depending on the interest of the listener, they
almost expect the primary, undefined Quality that RMP introduces in ZMM.
>From here, anything can follow -- the advantages of the MoQ analogy of
reality compared with the Sub/Obj description, the
explanation/determination of morality/values that the MoQ allows, etc.
Now, my criticism...
My first concern with this approach is that it is simplistic, hence a
"degraded" understanding by the listener.
My second, and more significant, objection is that this explanation
employs SOM [sub/obj] to express MoQ -- is this a fundamental
contradiction/flaw, an asset due to the fact that the listener employs
SOM at the time, or some other problem? I must admit I still have
problems with SOM in my personal views at times, but I must wonder if a
compromise for the sake of comprehension is a good idea... I get the
feeling we'll be talking about this one for a while.
Third, the listener loses much of the wonderful insight and thought that
RMP employed throughout 841 pages (paperback) that gave a "feeling"
about Quality -- a deep, gut feeling that greatly helped my
understanding. Unfortunately, I doubt anything can recreate (cloning?
:-) that experience for our listener.
I've twaddled for more than my share tonight, so let me know what you
think. I'm looking forward to this month -- very interesting topic.
Hmm... surprised I have the gonads to write on the first day.
Have a good one,
Boone
MOQ Online - http://www.moq.org
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