[MD] What does Pirsig mean by metaphysics?

[Andre Broersen]

Steve to Andre:
It doesn't really, but it is a good idea to consider how the word
metaphysics is used in ZAMM as well. Do you think that Pirsig means
something different by the term "metaphysics" when he describes his
philosophical system as "a metaphysics" from what is traditionally
meant by the term?

Andre:
Yes I do think that Pirsig means something different when using his
philosophical system 'a metaphysics'. Firstly of course the starting
point of the MoQ is to take Value as primary and, crucially the
pre-intellectual aspect of it, into account.( this as opposed to the
majority of other philosophical systems) namely 'direct experience'.

This experience is then divided and integrated into the four static
levels of value within an overall evolutionary framework.

What attracts me to the MoQ is that it is not prescriptive, it says
nowhere what ought to be done or what ought to be the case. I think
this is what set Phaedrus up against Kant (Master cutter as he was)
because (within the Kantian philosophy and many others) he still felt
within a prison (see ZMM).

Pirsig does not want his metaphysics to be another prison. Hence the
DQ/SQ divisions... and (if you like) the notion of the continuation of
evolutionary progress (which is 'open-ended'). That is: it remains
provisional.

This is its force as well. It accounts for individual PoV's to play an
active part in the evolutionary process rather than simply being
puppets or cogs in a grand design (made up by some philosopher). Even
stronger than this we are active in our own evolution, taking place
within our cultural evolution possibly extending this to world
evolution and the evolution of the universe. We are the universe and
the universe is us.

Thing to understand is of course that these are static representations
of an ongoing dynamic process. We play 'a' part, we play a
metaphysical part but after we have departed the dynamic process
continues. The metaphysics may never be completed (I do not know) but
'mine' will be.

Ok. I've rambled on a bit Steve. Hope it makes some sense (eventhough
you may not agree). Feel free to suggest I still believe in
fairy-tales.

Cheers
Andre