Hello Folks, Here's my attempt at a paragraph summary... THE TOPIC: "In general, given a choice of two courses to follow and all other things being equal, that choice which is more Dynamic, that is, at a higher level of evolution, is more moral." (Lila, Ch13) *** My understanding of this quote is as follows: CHOICE is a course of action based on PRIOR MORAL JUDGMENTS. The most Dynamic, most intellectually evolved choice is that which arises from prior moral judgments which when formed were themselves based on reality, rather than on pre-existing patterns of value. Slicing Pirsig's quote in two... "In general, given a choice of two courses to follow and all other things being equal," ...and plugging in a moral issue... "Is it immoral, as the Hindus and Buddhists claim, to eat the flesh of animals?" (Lila, Ch13) A choice of two courses: 1st Course: Flesh Eating Some Prior Moral Judgments: - it tastes good - family/social tradition - good source of protein - convenience/ practicality - natural food chain - religious beliefs - abundant supply 2nd COURSE: GRAINS/FRUITS/VEG EATING Some Prior Moral Judgments: - less evolved than animals - generally healthier than meat - equally good source of protein- nuts/pulses - animal farming/meat processing alienates us from nature/reality - abundant supply - lower risk of infection - less expensive - religious beliefs And then the other half... "...that choice which is more Dynamic, that is, at a higher level of evolution, is more moral." The moral judgments for the 1st course seem to be based primarily on pre-existing social patterns of value such as tradition, religious doctrine, and habit, whereas those judgments for the 2nd course are based for the most part on intellectual patterns. The 2nd course of action would thus be more moral because, according to the MOQ, a moral choice is one that favors the most evolved patterns of value. Why this favoritism? Because the most evolved patterns are those based most closely on reality. *** This month's quote reminds me of John Dewey's 'experience' theory that students learn best by DOING. When we try to teach students using text books, chalkboards, lectures, etc. implicitly we're advocating that they base their moral judgments on pre-existing value patterns. However, when we provide students with opportunities for hands-on inquiry-based learning they'll more likely form moral judgments and then make choices based on experienced reality. Mark B __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages & get email alerts with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/ MOQ.org - http://www.moq.org
