ROGER RESPONDS TO ROB"S APPEAL TO DIRECT EXPERIENCE
Rob,
Interesting reminder on Direct Experience. Your quote that Naziism is bad
because "we felt the bad quality of it", reminds me of some of Jonathan's
argument to Platt last month.
I actually agree with parts of what you say, but let me try to add a few
opposing currents.....
First, what if the Nazis "felt the good quality of it"? What if they are more
in touch with direct experience than us, or think they are?
Second, the characterization of Pragmatic truth as "any reasonable idea" is a
bit of an oversimplification. Pirsig and James define pragmatic as being
consistent with direct experience and with other truths. The test of an idea
for truth includes how well that idea helps to get us in relation with other
parts of our experience. In other words, truth involves the best combination
of truth to biology, society, intellect (other truths), and Direct Experience.
W. James wrote:
<<Theories thus become instruments, not answers>>
And regarding consistencies between truths:
<<Their influence is absolutely controlling. Loyalty to them is the first
principle.>> (I believe Pirsig argued with you though that loyalty to direct
experience is foremost.)
In summary, I agree direct experience is premiere, but this does not deny
intellectual arguments that include this experience. In fact your post was an
intellectual argument that appealed to this very force.
As to the question ...
6) How do we rid ourselves of evil?
By perceiving everything as quality
Roger
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