To: Wim, Mark and Platt (PS to Sam)
From: Rog
MARK:
You asked 9/10 19:22 -0700: "how does the MOQ address the
'relativity' of moral positions" and "What proof do we offer that
Modernity, for example, is preferable value?".
WIM:
What THE MoQ says is something we can try to reach experiential
consensus....
ROG:
The MOQ fails miserably in dealing with same-level or relativistic moral
positions. In October of 1998, we spent the entire month in this forum
addressing the effectiveness of the MOQ to deal with real moral issues. The
MOQ did not fare well. In fact, by the end of the month, the absence of
sound arguments in favor of the MOQ's aptitude to REALLY resolve moral
dilemmas was noticeable (per my memory, which is admittedly terrible)
IMO relative morality is where many or even most of the interesting dilemmas
exist. And this is the achilles heel of the metaphysics.
Pirsig's comment that you can't REALLY see which changes are "evolutionary"
(which he uses to mean "progressive") until a century or so later is both
admirable and insightful. Even terrible acts can sometimes lead to improved
morality long term. The events of Sept 11th may be an example...who knows?
On the other hand, I continue to criticize the MOQ for not stressing the need
to continuously search for cooperative, synergistic solutions. There is not
enough attention in Lila focused on finding ways, wherever possible, to
harmonize conflicting patterns (both within and between levels). Let me beat
Platt to the punch and restate that there isn't always a synergistic
solution, at least not that we know of yet. That is what makes morality so
tough and the quest for knowledge and new solutions so critical. And I am
aware of some places where Pirsig hits upon harmony and cooperation in Lila.
However, it is not a central focus of the metaphysics. I think Pirsig failed
to solve the issue, and hence the MOQ fails to be an adequate moral guide.
Rog
PS -- Wim, I LOVE all the socio-economic stuff you write. I wish, you, Sam,
me and others could get into an economic dialogue using the concepts of the
MOQ and our VERY distinct viewpoints.
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