Re: MD Consciousness

From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Thu Aug 22 2002 - 23:34:42 BST


Hi Gary:

> Hi Platt,
> Before I can respond to you and to Scott's posts I need some
> clarifications. So, could you indulge me with replying to 3 questions:

Happy to.

> 1)
> Do you believe that their exists a material physical reality independent of
> your, and any other human being, observing it. What I am getting at is if
> you, me and all humans died, would there still be a physical material
> universe filled with stars, galaxies, etc?

Yes, I believe in an independent physical reality as a high quality
intellectual pattern, in fact, a necessary pattern for intellect to function
at all. But what is ultimately real is Quality, that which is experienced
prior to any patterns.

> 2) Do you believe that Pirsig
> believes that there exists a material physical reality independent of human
> observers?

Yes, in same way as my answer to your first question.

 3) In your e-mail you quote from Lila chapter 9, I have pasted
> that citation below this question. My question is: where is the 'thinking'
> mentioned through out that citation taking place? Where is the
> "distinctions" that the infant is making taking place? Where is the
> "noticing of differences and correlations of Dynamic quality" taking place?
> Where are those "deductions" the baby is making taking place? In the air?
> In someone's big toe? Nowhere in the physical material universe? Can you
> tell me where?

All the activities you describe occur in the intellectual patterns Pirsig
uses to describe how a baby acquires knowledge and in your
interpretation of those patterns. From the baby's viewpoint, "Where?" is
not an issue. Experience is all that counts.

> Once I have these 3 answers, or even just the answers to the first two
> questions, I will be able to formulate a coherent response to your email.

Hope these answers help.
 
Platt

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