The Metaphysic of Quality is a self contradicting label. Metaphysics is
about ultimate defining and Quality is undefinable. A better label for a
metaphysic is a Quality metaphysics, as opposed to a metaphysics OF Quality.
Q'm" as a label parenthesizes the "m" because all metaphysics are relative.
This is an absolute.
Quality is also an absolute, based upon the arguments of Royce and Pirsig
and the basic starting point of all enquiry. Q comes first, then 'm"
The parens that surrounds the "m" move from a single to a double parens to
represent the absolute assertion that reality is evolutionary, a narrative,
a process and our metaphysics is always evolving into something more. Thus
the simple progression from single to double, 1 to 2, symbolically
demonstrates this reality.
The lower case "m" also represents the opposite of the upper case "M", which
implies an absolute metaphysic. It also symbolizes two rounded breasts,
indicative of mammalian social bonding which is the basis of all
philosophical formulations and the ultimate pragmatic test of any
metaphysical, philosophical system. If an idea promotes more life, it is
good.
A values-free metaphysics, such as SOM, is perfectly content to build vast
intellectual, social systems which are at heart anti-life, thus intellect is
freed from all social constraint but when this system gains ground, life
suffers and eventually the lack of life equates with the death of the
system.
Q'm" is oriented toward Pirsig's MoQ as an evolutionary outgrowth of the
author's thought. It differs from the MoQ as the MoQ has socially evolved
in this forum, in some respects returning to the basics of Pirsig's original
version that has become corrupted through dialogue, and in some ways growing
out of and refuting certain Pirsigian tendencies of anti-communalism.
There are seven key points of the Q'm" that differ from the MoQ as it now
stands. Well... sort of now stands. The Moq "as it now is" is a slippery
of definition so what is meant by "as it now is" represents "as it now is in
my understanding."
As always, I could be wrong.
1) Reality and Self are concepts of fundamentally social creation.
2) De-emphasizes definitions of Quality in favor of Quality Definitioning.
3) Social success of intellectual patterns is the stated goal of the
system.
4) Defines the 4th level as infinite, and thus ultimately, undefinable. At
the lowest end of the
4th level is SOM. At the upper end is DQ as postulated by Pirsig.
5) Utterly refutes the mechanism of bottom-up-guided evolution. This
contradicts the MoQ
as it has become, but agrees with Pirsig's explanation in Chap. 11 of
Lila.
6) Integrates Royce into the combined metaphysic as perennial brother, and
especially
emphasizes Interpretation as the fundament of Reality.
7) Postulates Loyalty to Community as the noblest individual aspiration
and
objectively examines one's "tribal" loyalties and successes in a
useful, comparative
fashion which leads to an evolutionary improvement in one's society and
life.
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