From: Valuemetaphysics@aol.com
Date: Fri Jun 11 2004 - 20:02:03 BST
[Part. 2.]
Sam has been more constructive and greatly encouraging regarding coherence,
and i thank him for this.
Sam's own view on this months Topic question has been structured as follows:
1. Pirsig describes the MoQ as being a study of static latches, or static
Quality. They are a description or classification of static Quality; a
description of particular classes of patterns of value.
2. Levels form a moral hierarchy as static Quality evolves. There is an
ascent from the inorganic to the biological to the social to the fourth
level. This
ascent is led by DQ, and is geared around freedom.
3. Levels are not absolutely discrete; there are ways in which they relate to
each other. "They all operate at the same time and in ways that are almost
independent of each other." The way that they relate is through a 'machine
language interface.'
4. There is a 'purpose' involved at each level which may be expressed in
terms of laws; different levels emerging to give more freedom in the context
of
those laws.
5. There seems scope for suggesting that there is a particular pattern which
is the primary 'vehicle' for the operation of DQ at each level.
So a level in the MoQ is: a classification of static patterns of value that
fits into the
hierarchy of evolution led by DQ, which relates to the other levels via a
'machine language
interface' and whose purpose can be classified according to a particular
'law' or 'laws', and which is most easily understood by consideration of the
'vehicle' on which DQ operates.
Mark 25-5-04: I have suggested to Sam that he may be taking a literal reading
of the software/hardware analogy? I suggest coherence best describes
excellent states irrespective of patterning. i.e. SQ-SQ coherence.
The thin isthmus which separates each level may be seen to be exceptional
coherence, which is very close to DQ. This will allow us to postulate DQ as
the
initiator of a new level, thus removing any logical inconsistencies which
would
arise if the previous level is given as a starting point. DQ also provides
freedom for new levels in increasing coherent states.
Sam 25-5-04: DNA, as a 'balanced' mechanism, is the vehicle that the weak
subatomic forces adopted to steer to 'all sorts of freedom by selecting first
one
bonding preference and then another.' (See the end of chapter 11; note that
here Pirsig actually describes the 'vehicle' as a DNA + protein combination,
static and dynamic in >coherent< harmony)
(Sam winks to Mark)
Mark 25-5-04: I like this. Sam has identified coherence to be the vehicle.
This vehicle is elsewhere described as an isthmus.
Sam 25-5-04: Your (dmb's) picking up of the note/symphony language is spot
on; so DNA is a 'note' that the inorganic level has managed to create (giving
itself more freedom) but the existence of notes allows for the existence of
symphonies, which are composed of notes. The interesting thing is not the
existence of notes but their patterning according to the classification by
level -
that's what makes the difference between a 'note' that happens randomly (a
sound
which is meaningless; the inorganic level) and a 'note' within a symphony (a
sound which is meaningful; the biological level). Although the DNA evolved to
give more freedom at the inorganic level, it became open to DQ in a radically
new way - and we have all of biology as a result.
Mark 25-5-04: This looks to have got it. I like Sam's underscoring of the
crucial issue of randomness and meaning. Is this not coherence?
Increasing coherence is increasing freedom within a static/Dynamic envelope.
Sam: 4. There is a 'purpose' involved at each level.
I feel my view ties things together neatly, elegantly and with great economy
of explanation.
dmb's refusal to engage with the ideas expressed in my initial post on this
Topic, and then to avoid these issues further by misleading the Focus group
is totally unacceptable in my view.
All the best,
Mark
Mark 11-6-04: I look forward to hearing from you dmb. Thank you.
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