Hello Folks,
Here's my attempt at a paragraph summary...
THE TOPIC:
"In general, given a choice of two courses to follow and
all other
things being equal, that choice which is more Dynamic, that
is, at a
higher level of evolution, is more moral." (Lila, Ch13)
***
My understanding of this quote is as follows:
CHOICE is a course of action based on PRIOR MORAL
JUDGMENTS. The most Dynamic, most intellectually evolved
choice is that which arises from prior moral judgments
which when formed were themselves based on reality, rather
than on pre-existing patterns of value.
Slicing Pirsig's quote in two...
"In general, given a choice of two courses to follow and
all other things being equal,"
...and plugging in a moral issue...
"Is it immoral, as the Hindus and Buddhists claim, to eat
the flesh of animals?" (Lila, Ch13)
A choice of two courses:
1st Course: Flesh Eating
Some Prior Moral Judgments:
- it tastes good
- family/social tradition
- good source of protein
- convenience/ practicality
- natural food chain
- religious beliefs
- abundant supply
2nd COURSE: GRAINS/FRUITS/VEG EATING
Some Prior Moral Judgments:
- less evolved than animals
- generally healthier than meat
- equally good source of protein- nuts/pulses
- animal farming/meat processing alienates us from
nature/reality
- abundant supply
- lower risk of infection
- less expensive
- religious beliefs
And then the other half...
"...that choice which is more Dynamic, that is, at a higher
level of evolution, is more moral."
The moral judgments for the 1st course seem to be based
primarily on pre-existing social patterns of value such as
tradition, religious doctrine, and habit, whereas those
judgments for the 2nd course are based for the most part on
intellectual patterns. The 2nd course of action would thus
be more moral because, according to the MOQ, a moral choice
is one that favors the most evolved patterns of value. Why
this favoritism? Because the most evolved patterns are
those based most closely on reality.
***
This month's quote reminds me of John Dewey's 'experience'
theory that students learn best by DOING. When we try to
teach students using text books, chalkboards, lectures,
etc. implicitly we're advocating that they base their moral
judgments on pre-existing value patterns. However, when we
provide students with opportunities for hands-on
inquiry-based learning they'll more likely form moral
judgments and then make choices based on experienced
reality.
Mark B
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