[MD] The Quality/MOQ meta-metaphysics

[ARLO J BENSINGER JR]

[Ian]
Arlo, you attempted to say that Pirsig himself rejects Bo's SOLAQI
interpretation. You actually quoted (in quotes) Pirsig saying that it
"undermines the MoQ" ... could you provide that reference (again). Humour me.

[Arlo]
I'm actually out of town at the moment, on someone else's computer, so my
e-copies of stuff and my email archives are unavailable to me today (will be
back tomorrow). If its urgent, I am sure Horse or someone else can provide the
full quote.

But its not just that quote. From many passages in ZMM it is clear his intent
is not to "condemn" rationality, but to expand it. Since ZMM is on the web, I
can provide one of these.

"Newton invented a new form of reason. He expanded reason to handle
infinitesimal changes and I think what is needed now is a similar expansion of
reason to handle technological ugliness." (ZMM)

Also, from the Paul Turner letter (since I can get that off the web too)... 

""Intellect" can then be defined very loosely as the level of independently
manipulable signs. Grammar, logic and mathematics can be described as the rules
of this sign manipulation... it seems to me the greatest meaning can be given
to the intellectual level if it is confined to the skilled manipulation of
abstract symbols that have no corresponding particular experience and which
behave according to rules of their own." (Pirsig)

Now, Bo has every valid and legitimate opportunity to disagree and find error
or fault in what Pirsig has said. Disagreement is not the issue. The issue is
in saying that, despite all this, Pirsig was just too ignorant to know what he
himself must've meant.