Hello Foci, and Happy Thanksgiving, MOQ Focus / November 1999 Question: << A Subject/Object Metaphysics makes us look for the reason for everything in one of its two realms--for instance the culture vs. nature debate. As the Metaphysics of Quality rejects the subject/object division as fundamental, where does it look for (and find) an explanation? >> The answer in a single word is�� "Value" But let's explore, A Subject/Object Metaphysics is a separation-based system that keeps things such as cause and effect eternally separated by use of an amoral objectivity of its subjects. A Quality Metaphysics is a value-based system which dissolves the separations of SOM by a close introspection and a abandonment of deductive logic. (such as when Phaedrus speaks of the chemistry professor in Lila pg.181) because the deductive logic of SOM is "without feeling" or I could say "valueless" (in a Pirsig sense) Although the separations of SOM are not totally void of "value" (use), they are required for purpose of explanation; which in turn is essential for the growth of Value. So just as Phaedrus quotes, atomic physicist-Neil Bohr saying, "We are suspended in language"; he too must use separations in order to explain himself. And in doing so Phaedrus gives us such things as classic/romantic, DQ/SQ, as well as the four levels of: Inorganic, Biological, Social & Intellectual. (etc.) But Phaedrus is so skilled with his knife that his use of it 'ONLY' separates for purpose of explanation and not for destruction or for dissection. (which of course is not really a separation at all but purely for a purpose of explanation) His knife creates levels that are built on each other but also independent of each other. To me this view produces a wonderful "layered effect" of creation, which is beautiful. For me it is much like the feeling of peace I get when, I look at fractal patterns of Chaos Theory such as the Mandelbrot set with its layers of repeating forms that build itself but are never identical. Pirsig clears the vagueness of Value with his explanations. Although, Pirsig acquired his Value-based system of Quality by a no-holds barred battle against himself. And in the process, his battle reveals huge traps of thought (platypi) created by giants and ghosts, such as, the Church, Newton, Aristotle, Art, Science, etc. etc. My point here is not to list all the traps, ghosts and giants that Pirsig reveals, but to note that Pirsigs Value is the product of his battle, which in turn gives us a MOQ that dissolves the separations of SOM, but also keeps the levels in opposition with each other. For it seems to me that Everything is hinged with opposition. All of our discussions, viewpoints, philosophies, metaphysics, etc. are permeated with opposition. Opposition is inescapable; therefore opposition is everything. But I also agree with Pirsig that Value is everything. Thus, I assert that the "explanation of everything" that the MOQ points to (as asked in this month's question) is a return to my answer of last month's question, which was and is the "Value of Opposition". I seek not to destroy Opposition, but rather I seek expose Its Value. A kind of system of Values within Opposition itself. I will stop here before I get to far off-topic. Peace, Todd I am thinking of writing a paper about my thoughts regarding my "Value of Opposition" theory for the MOQ.ORG archives if there is interest in this, let me know. ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) MOQ.org - http://www.moq.org
