Hi Glenn:
You wrote:
> Concerning the part of the MOQ that is the moral taxonomic method,
> you supplied Pirsig's claim yourself in a recent post to Struan:
>
> " . . . it is absolutely, scientifically moral FOR
> A DOCTOR TO PREFER THE PATIENT." <Platt's emphasis>
>
> You pointed out that the words "absolutely, scientifically" actually
> applies ONLY to the doctor-germ case. This is true only in the strictest
> literal interpretation. It is surely not what he means. The reason he
> says the doctor is absolutely, scientifically obligated to prefer the
> patient is because he believes the method that produced this decision
> is scientific. The moral decision is grounded on that authority. He is
> simply demonstrating how his scientific taxonomic method works in a
> specific example. If it applies only for this example, as you say, then it
> can't be scientific because it wouldn't be general. Should we believe that
> Pirsig thinks the conclusions of any of his other moral examples in the
> paragraphs that follow are not scientific or in any way less scientific
> than the doctor/patient example, even the unmentioned ones that are less
> obvious? Certainly not.
My position is that you have focused on the word "scientific" without
taking into consideration the context in which it appears. Since I quoted
that context in my post to addressed to Struan of Jan. 19, I see no need
to repeat it. If you and Struan wish to interpret Pirsig's views differently
than me or others, so be it. I respect such differences. To give voice to
our opinions about the MOQ is what we're all here for.
I'm puzzled, however, why Pirsig would want to claim that MOQ is
"scientific" if, as you've said, he has a "personal vendetta against
science." Between those two positions, something doesn't compute.
You can accuse Pirsig of inconsistency, but IMHO, the inconsistency
lies elsewhere.
As for taxonomy vs. hierarchy, there's no need to waste time in futher
debate. We have better things to discuss I'm sure, and it was my fault
to bring it up as an issue in the first place.
Platt
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