Hello Foci, and Happy Thanksgiving,
MOQ Focus / November 1999 Question:
<< A Subject/Object Metaphysics makes us look for the reason for
everything in one of its two realms--for instance the culture vs.
nature debate. As the Metaphysics of Quality rejects the
subject/object division as fundamental, where does it look for (and
find) an explanation? >>
The answer in a single word isÖÖ "Value"
But let's explore,
A Subject/Object Metaphysics is a separation-based system that keeps things
such as cause and effect eternally separated by use of an amoral objectivity
of its subjects.
A Quality Metaphysics is a value-based system which dissolves the
separations of SOM by a close introspection and a abandonment of deductive
logic. (such as when Phaedrus speaks of the chemistry professor in Lila
pg.181) because the deductive logic of SOM is "without feeling" or I could
say "valueless" (in a Pirsig sense)
Although the separations of SOM are not totally void of "value" (use), they
are required for purpose of explanation; which in turn is essential for the
growth of Value. So just as Phaedrus quotes, atomic physicist-Neil Bohr
saying, "We are suspended in language"; he too must use separations in order
to explain himself. And in doing so Phaedrus gives us such things as
classic/romantic, DQ/SQ, as well as the four levels of: Inorganic,
Biological, Social & Intellectual. (etc.)
But Phaedrus is so skilled with his knife that his use of it 'ONLY'
separates for purpose of explanation and not for destruction or for
dissection. (which of course is not really a separation at all but purely for
a purpose of explanation) His knife creates levels that are built on each
other but also independent of each other. To me this view produces a
wonderful "layered effect" of creation, which is beautiful. For me it is much
like the feeling of peace I get when, I look at fractal patterns of Chaos
Theory such as the Mandelbrot set with its layers of repeating forms that
build itself but are never identical.
Pirsig clears the vagueness of Value with his explanations.
Although, Pirsig acquired his Value-based system of Quality by a no-holds
barred battle against himself. And in the process, his battle reveals huge
traps of thought (platypi) created by giants and ghosts, such as, the Church,
Newton, Aristotle, Art, Science, etc. etc. My point here is not to list all
the traps, ghosts and giants that Pirsig reveals, but to note that Pirsigs
Value is the product of his battle, which in turn gives us a MOQ that
dissolves the separations of SOM, but also keeps the levels in opposition
with each other. For it seems to me that Everything is hinged with
opposition. All of our discussions, viewpoints, philosophies, metaphysics,
etc. are permeated with opposition. Opposition is inescapable; therefore
opposition is everything. But I also agree with Pirsig that Value is
everything. Thus, I assert that the "explanation of everything" that the MOQ
points to (as asked in this month's question) is a return to my answer of
last month's question, which was and is the "Value of Opposition".
I seek not to destroy Opposition, but rather I seek expose Its Value. A
kind of system of Values within Opposition itself.
I will stop here before I get to far off-topic.
Peace, Todd
I am thinking of writing a paper about my thoughts regarding my "Value of
Opposition" theory for the MOQ.ORG archives if there is interest in this, let
me know. (Gem7th@aol.com)
MOQ.org - http://www.moq.org
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