Hi Squonk:
> Individuality is largely an illusion.
Among others, evolutionary biologists would disagree. Changes in
individual organisms, not populations or species, succeed in passing
on traits to subsequent generations.
> So, rather than denying individual rights, we may better recognise that for
> individuals to assert inappropriate privileges is immoral? If i appropriate
> rights that undermine social values, then surely social values may
> appropriate the right to restrict my perceived freedom?
What "inappropriate privileges" do you have in mind?
> However, if i
> appropriate no rights as such, but recognise that i am less than the whole,
> i may learn to accommodate a role in the play of life, biosphere and spirit
> that may benefit all?
No offense, but this seems to me to be a perfect credo for an ant.
> And to this end, one must cultivate intellectual
> values. Intellectual values are perhaps, ironically, the best right of the
> individual, for intellect transcends the individual through evolution of
> values.
But, as Pirsig says, only a non-illusory individual can respond to DQ,
the creative force of value evolution. Like the biological level example
above, evolution depends on (real) individuals, just as the growth and
wider influence of this Web site does. (-:
Platt
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