Greetings, Joe --

On Fri, Oct. 14, 2011 at 3:17 PM, "Joseph Maurer" <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Mark and all,

The word I am trying to get into the cross hairs on my
metaphysics scope is "Essence".  In an evolutionary environment
"Essence" of SOM is indefinable as plurality in a different way
from DQ/SQ in MOQ.

Essence is indescribable as a noun and indefinable as a level
in existence in reality.  If I try to conceptualize Essence in levels
in evolution, it does not produce the same emotion for reality
as conceptualizing Existence in levels in evolution.  Essence
does not admit to change when what evolves remains Essence.
I feel there are no markers for levels in Essence, evolution.
Yet I have no problem conceptualizing levels in existence for
evolution.  Where's the beef?  I have a logic problem!

What is it you want to know about Essence? We haven't talked in some time, Joe, so I'm curious to know why you have singled out that particular word to name your Source -- especially as it does not relate to levels of existence.

Would it surprise you to learn that I chose Essence BECAUSE it is indefinable. Unlike Being, Substance, God, or Quality, it doesn't lend itself to plurality. It does, however, connote the ultimate nature of things or thoughts, which is what one needs to define Reality. "Essential" also connotes "necessary", which resolves the "ex nihilo" parodox of metaphysics by suggesting an "uncreated Creator" or primary cause. Best of all, with respect to the MoQ thesis, Essence satisfies the need for a transcendent Source of Value.

You yourself complained that "Quality" is an adjective in SOM" and "a noun in MOQ", which "gets confusing". Essence, which is derived from the Latin 'esse' (to be), is used in the nominative case but does not designate or name a particular entity. This, too, makes it a suitable appellation for the "immanent nature of all existents", including the nothingness that divides them.

Since you seem to be hung up on the dynamics of differentiation, I would like to guide you through my hypothesis, if this interests you. I should warn you in advance, however, that my theory does not rely on "levels of evolution" which is a sequence of events in time that is dependent on the mode of human experience. But if you are not wedded to Pirsig's hierarchy and are willing to consider an alternative, a dialogue on this important topic may prove instructive for both of us.

Thanks, Joe.  I shall await your decision.

Taking words seriously,
Ham
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