Hi Bo, 3wd, Rob and all trying to grasp Bo's MOQ as the Fifth Level:
Platt wrote:
> > I admit to having a problem with Bo's explanation of the MOQ as a
> > fifth level, not because I think it's wrong but that I don't quite
> > "get it."
Bo:
>DQ is supposed to be the all-pervading reality in
> which the static levels have crystallized, but if the DQ/sq is a mere
> intellectual pattern it requires another QUALITY that the DQ/sq is just one
> possible divide of. I spot a somish apparition here.
My understanding is that Quality, not DQ, is to be the all-pervading
reality and that yes, DQ/sq is a mere intellectual pattern.
All metaphysics, which by definition consists of dialectical (intellectual)
patterns of classification and definition, start with the presumption of
an all-pervading reality or "existence."
"Existence exists" is the initial undefinable, unprovable premise of
SOM metaphysics--a premise that is morally barren.
In contrast, Pirsig's initial premise for the MOQ is "Quality exists,"
ADDING to plain old morally-neutral existence a moral necessity
because "a world from which value is subtracted becomes
unrecognizable."
Whether a metaphysics begins with an assumption of existence or an
assumption of Quality, then, and only then, can come the required first
division, "or get out of metaphysics entirely." The first division for
"existence" is subject-object. The first division for "Quality" is dynamic-
static.
My point is that the only difference I can see in the pattern of initial
steps required for any metaphysics is Pirsig's "out of the blue"
assumption that existence contains a moral component, or better,
morality is existence itself.
Is this assumption what you mean by the MOQ being a 5th level? That
this assumption is an absolutely necessary level at the top for the other
moral levels to follow? That without this "leap" you might as well fold up
the MOQ tent and go back to SOM?
Platt
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