Dear Sam, John, Rasheed and all.
>I think Wittgenstein sees all metaphysics as degenerate,
I would propose Pirsig's intent with Lila is to make a similar case.
As I read 'Lila, An Inquiry into Morals', (I have only once) and as I
look back on the experience as a whole, This is how I now feel -
Prisig had me so busy happily 'jumping' intellectually to "see over
the fence for odd glimpses of metaphysics", I wasn't watching as the
slippery rug of 'morality' was slipped out from underneath me. . .
But over time, my sensors were raised to 'something is wrong with
this picture'.
It was early in the book I became mildly perturbed that he didn't
reference the works of the metaphysical philosophers he uses, and
although not positive, I was concerned he was presenting himself as
the sole author of this realm of thought. Angus underlined that doubt
for me. Then I was annoyed! - Crediting the author seemed to me to be
a universally accepted tenet of moral conduct. I first read of it in
Talmudic reasoning, but it's enshrined in law to the best of my
knowledge allover the world. And there were other elements of
morality that rose vaguely to my consciousness as 'laspes' which I
might be able to capture and make a case for were I to re-read.
But I my 'irritation' has softened somewhat now. *grin*
I think Pirsig has presented us here with a philosophical version of
a parlor game, which is essentially a metaphysics critique, or at
least of metaphysic's capacity to examine Morality.
I am satisfied he outright tells us morality is the subject of
religious spirituality, And I believe he asks us not to look to him
or the intellectual 'game' of metaphysics for
religious/moral/spiritual guidance, by presenting himself as a flawed
'immoral' human being.
Anyway! - I've had enough! - Call me an intellectual light-weight of you want.
I'll add this a personal note. I was raised steeped in the cult of
the intellect, and have been able to extract several 'personal
parables' from this experience. It interested me that Pirsig's ZAMM
and Lila 'stories' have notable elements in common with my life and
the lives of my immediate family. Perhaps it charts an epoch.
I would also like to note for clarity, that I became a Christian as
an adult. In my Christian understanding I view the bible much as
described by Sam through Wittgenstien. And I have arrived at a very
similar spot on the 'mountain' as Rasheed. - So I will quote him now
in conclusion.
At 3:01 PM -0400 10/2/01, HisSheedness@aol.com wrote:
>When a
>belief in myths is held higher than a love for humanity, religion falls short
>of its goal.
And so - I bid you all fond farewell! - I want, as Sam has exhorted
me, to get on with the practical business of my moral premise, and
for me, that is love, in most if not all of it's semantics!
I still need lots more practice.
Much Love,
Tanya
MOQ.ORG - http://www.moq.org
Mail Archive - http://alt.venus.co.uk/hypermail/moq_discuss/
MD Queries - horse@darkstar.uk.net
To unsubscribe from moq_discuss follow the instructions at:
http://www.moq.org/md/subscribe.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Sat Aug 17 2002 - 16:01:33 BST