MARCO *WILL* OFFER THE THOUGHT OF *HIMSELF* ABOUT THE MAY FOCUS. (Marco already knows Elephant WILL not agree.... :-) Hi everybody, FREE WILL & SELF > � 7.1 Pirsig doesn't explain how an individual being, a self, fits into the MOQ. � The man is the patterns. We must be careful when we say *self*. If we are meaning *individual being*, we are talking of a *real* (4 level) entity; so we can well say there are four *selves*. We could also mean *subject*: when the individual being thinks of *self*, applies intellect in order to investigate its own reality , and works on an intellectual pattern of value we know as *subject*. Pirsig never says that subject does not exist, he just says that if we divide the world into subjects and objects there's something missing: Quality. At the contrary, to divide the world into Dynamic and static seems to be more encompassing, nothing is left out. Let's never forget this Q/s division is, in the end, another map; that is: an intellectual pattern itself. In this vision, the individual being is *real*, that is: we can divide it into a dynamic nature and a 4-level static nature; it is dynamic and static at the same time. Dynamic as it is interacting with all universe within the continuous flow of DQ, static as it is possible to extrapolate four levels of experience/behavior/existence from its nature. > � 7.2 If we operate from the belief that there is no such thing as the self, and that Quality or Reality is one undifferentiated continuum, then the question of choice, freedom, good and morality does not arise. � The individual being exists; I don't need to impose it as a *truth*, I can well take it as an assumption. In few words, I think I explain better the world if I assume the real existence of the individual being. The subject, as said, is IMO is an intellectual pattern created by the individual being as investigation of itself. IMO DQ is the undifferentiated continuum, while Reality is more inclusive and comprehends also sQ. Thus choices, as well, exist; and freedom and good and moraliy, of course. > �7.3 If there is no self and the MOQ is reduced to being only a "feel good" Metaphysics of Mysticism then evolution in all respects should follow a linear progression by itself, without any setbacks or reversals since DQ as an evolving force is complete and fully present at all times. � In fact, the MOQ is not IMO a Metaphysics of Mysticism. Evolution does not proceeds linearly just because there are competing truths/goods/choices, according to the tensions between the levels. > � 7.4 Since all conceptions, beliefs and their counters are aspects of perception can "static patterns of value" have any existence outside perception? � A crucial point. Perception is not merely human. Or, more precisely, at every level there is a dynamic interaction within the flow. There are four levels of perception/experience/interaction. The phrase "Static pattern of value" is an intellectual pattern of value created by RMP in order to explain the static nature of real entities. If RMP is right, there are real entities, and those entities have an existence independently of any intellect. They simply exist as they interact (existence as inter-evaluation), so we can well say that there are real entities that are able to interact, to evaluate each other, and choose and behave accordingly. > � 6.1 Pirsig's explanation of free will is flawed because in order to have free will you must have a subject, or else who's "will" is it that is free? � Why flawed? As said, IMO Pirsig did not deny the existence of a subject. Anyway, IMO, the individual being - that is a mix of different patterns (more than merely a "subject") able of a dynamic interaction within the flow - is the willing *who*. I think we can say that actually, as the *who* is a complex mix of patterns, the *will* also is not simple. Do we really know our *will*? Are we really *aware* when we choose? We have doubts. Often, if not always. At least, we have to choose between different possible goods. Our biological self will ask something, our social self will ask something else, our intellectual self will ask something else. Choose, and good luck. Thanks for Your attention Marco MOQ.org - http://www.moq.org
