[MD] Is Morality innate in the cosmos?

[Ham Priday]

Hi SA --

 Ham said:
> If there is a "fixed cosmic morality", there can be
> no autonomy for man. ...
> If the intellect, consciousness,
> and morality are all something we "tap into", then
> what is left for the individual as a free creature?
>What is man's role in the cosmos?  Where is
> the autonomy?  Indeed, what is the value choice?

(SA) said:
> Maybe the difficulty is in us trying to
> place an origin for these things we call morals as
> something definite, pin-point, and going from one
> place to another place.  (Thus, the morals moving from
> here to eventually over there.  A line.)

If a philosopher makes morality the basis of his ontology, it seems to me
that he has an obligation to leave no room for doubt as to its origin and
location, function in the universe,
amd relevance to man's existence.  The reason we're having this discussion
is that Mr. Pirsig has not adequately defined morality, despite having
subtitled his book "An Inquiry into Morals".  I find it intellectually
reprehensible that we are left to speculate about what the author meant by
Quality=Morality=Reality.

> Yet, think about astronomy which states the
> universe has no center (and the center is everywhere,
> both at the same time).

Astro-physicists have not (yet) determined the boundaries of the universe,
and some believe the universe is infinite.  If the cosmos can be determined
have a finite boundary, then it would be possible to define its center.
However, I don't see how this concerns morality.  It isn't necessary -- or
even possible -- to define Morality in physical terms.  But if it is
theorized as fundamental to reality, it should be defined metaphysically in
the philosopher's thesis.

> I read ZMM, but I'd admit (and this means I am not
> following the rules) I have not read Lila.  I will.  I
> plan to get it within the next couple of days.

Good.  Lila is a more polished novel with many philosophical insights.  I
think you'll find it a better read than ZMM.  (I have the 468-page Bantam
paperback edition.)

Incidentally, I like your description of what constitutes the individual
self and its limitations:

> Motivation, behavior, and freedom itself has all of me
> - express me.  What of the boundaries that provide barriers
> to a freedom that cannot go on and on?  Those barriers
> have already been set and funnel our behavior into what we
> have come to call: habits or consciousness (mindful)
> experiences.

Regards,
Ham