Hi Platt --.
With all due respect, my cat, UTOE, exhibits the ability to make his experience comprehensible to him (the subject) by responding accordingly, like when he watches me go to the cupboard to get his food. But I dare say he lacks intellect as we commonly define the word. So I would have to agree that what separates me from my cat (assuming you grant me an intellect) is my ability to symbolize my experience, although in some respects UTOE is no doubt smarter than me, especially when it comes to free-loading.
I can't speak for UTOE, nor can UTOE speak for himself. However, his association of the cupboard with catfood may be a rudimentary step in intellection. After all, a logical proposition (syllogism) is nothing more than associating two or more premises to form a logical conclusion. My point to Bo was that a concept is an idea realized by the subject. Words or equations are needed to convey the idea to others, but they're only symbolic representations of the subject's realization.
And, speaking of concepts, doesn't it concern you that words pertaining to intellection -- such as awareness, cognition, consciousness, conceptualization, and realization -- are virtually absent in Pirsig's writings? Do you suppose this is because he doesn't believe in subjects, or because he doesn't want US to?
Bo has defined intellect properly as the value of the subject/object division, a value you rigorously support. But from an MOQ perspective, what is more fundamental than the S/O division is the value.
True. Which is why I'm still talking to Bo, despite our "intellectual" differences.
Anyway, intellect has brought us such marvels as the Reid/Pelosi stimulus (stealfromus) bill, proving Ben Franklin's observation: "So convenient it is to be a rational creature, since it enables us to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do."
We are in complete agreement there. We don't need "conspiracy theories" when the strategy is so factually evident. After promising "transparency" and "non-partisan politics" our new President has rammed through Congress the largest spending bill in U.S. history, concealing details from the public and refusing to consider alternative measures. Less than a third of the $720 billion will provide tax credits to private businesses, the legitimate source of jobs and investment, while the rest is a New Deal spending package designed to benefit illegal immigrants and the unemployable that will do nothing to stimulate the economy.
As Rahm Emmanuel said last November, "Never let a crisis go to waste." One would have hoped that the Anointed One, who has been heralded as "the most intelligent president ever to assume office", would have the sense to realize that you can't cure a deficit crisis by spending money you don't have. Among future steps, already underway, will be pushing for the "Fairness Doctrine" and making U.S. Census redistricting subject to White House approval, instead of the Commerce Dept., thereby ensuring a Democrat victory in the next election. You and I know what "change" our new leader has in mind for the Obamanation. What troubles me is that no one seems to care.
Anyway, great to hear from you, Platt. Regards, Ham Moq_Discuss mailing list Listinfo, Unsubscribing etc. http://lists.moqtalk.org/listinfo.cgi/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org Archives: http://lists.moqtalk.org/pipermail/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org/ http://moq.org.uk/pipermail/moq_discuss_archive/
