Re: MD Systematic about the Sophists

From: Elizaphanian (Elizaphanian@members.v21.co.uk)
Date: Sat Dec 14 2002 - 22:57:51 GMT

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    David -

    >Don't give up on me yet. Its easy to get irritated with my cocky style and
    arrogant voice, but its actually motivated by a genuine passion and concern
    for this issues.

    If I was the type to 'give up on you' or to be deeply offended by what you
    say, we would never have come this far (although it must be said that your
    manner doesn't encourage openness, which may hamper communication). I share
    your concern for the issues, I am not without any sympathy for what you say,
    and I do enjoy our extended conversation. If I didn't, I would break it off.
    I just think your perspective is a little narrow - so, for example, quoting:
    "The One in India has got to be the same as the One in Greece. If its not,
    you've got two" is begging the question from my point of view. (That is,
    using the language of 'the One' and making a logical point is in itself
    buying into a certain approach and pattern of thinking). In your own words:
    "Neo-Platonism is just one of many forms within the mystical/romantic
    tradition." Well - I disagree with that; I disagree with the lack of nuance
    that you display when you say that. I think there ARE different types of
    mysticism - different schools if you like, which don't count as different
    forms of the same thing - they are different things - and moreover
    identifying the mystical and romantic is I think very wrong (that there is a
    brand of 'romantic' mysticism I don't deny - that it has continuity with any
    pre- 18th century form of mysticism I do deny). But we already knew we
    disagreed on this - what I would like is a systematic presentation of
    Pirsig's position. Quotes are interesting, but they're not what we need to
    move forward.

    PS Don't forget that I have been a fan of Pirsig ever since I first read ZMM
    nearly thirteen years ago. That I don't go all the way with Lila (!) doesn't
    mean that I disagree with everything the man said; something to the
    contrary, really.

    Cheers.

    Sam

    The actual outlook is very dark, and any serious thought should start from
    that fact. (George Orwell)

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