Hey Platt,
PLATT:
Good thing he qualified that last statement by "usually." In his
continuing search for truth, Pirsig ultimately rejected the classic-
romantic division of ZAMM for the static-Dynamic Quality split of LILA,
allowing him to reveal a much deeper reality.
PIRSIG:
"Since this whole metaphysics had started with an attempt to explain
Indian mysticism Phaedrus finally abandoned this classic-romantic
split as a choice for a primary division of the Metaphysics of Quality.
The division he finally settled on was one he didn't really choose in any
deliberative way. It was more as if it chose him." (LILA Chap 9.)
RICK:
Yet, Pirsig tells us the origin of the static/dynamic split in the begining
of LILA (his "trip" with Dusenberry and the Indians). He also tells us that
Dusenberry died in 1966. That is, if the story in LILA took place in the
last year of Dusenberry's life, that means Pirsig had the static/dynamic
split in mind at least 8 years before ZAMM (published in 1974). You have to
wonder why he didn't even mention the idea for which he had abandoned the
classic/romantic split in a book devoted partially to bridging the
classic/romantic split... it's fishy.
PLATT:
As to whether molecules experience anything or behave according to
an ethic, I refer you to Alfred North Whitehead (who Pirsig mentions as
a mentor) because in his philosophy each actual entity is capable of
prehensions that involve feelings, emotions, consciousness, and so
on. This is called panpsychism, a subject you'll find many references
to on the Web if interested.
RICK:
I've read a little Whitehead (although that was a while ago) I don't
remember reading anything about the ideas your citing above... can you
suggest any of these websites?
rick
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