[MD] A Place for the Principled Person

[Platt Holden]

Hi Peter,

> in answer to some of your questions; I'd say that patterns of moral
> self-regulation necessarily exist in all 4 levels - isn't that
> fundamental in Pirsig?

I agree with the 4 moral level concept, but don't see how "honesty," 
for example,  applies to the 1st and 2nd levels.

> But you are referring to character traits such as
> 'perseverance, patience, honesty, courage, prudence, diligence' etc
> which means they exist as intentions in people's minds.

Sometimes as "intentions," yes. But also often as an inherent element 
of an individual's character. Edison, for example, was a paragon of 
perseverance, failing thousands of times before coming up with the 
right combination of parts to create an electric light bulb.

> However, to be
> patient, for example, may or may not be a good strategy depending on the
> context where patience is being applied. All of these traits are judged
> for their effectiveness in the long run according to how long the
> individual lives; further, certain traits may be imitated by other
> individuals and eventually become generally recognised as good (IE
> successful) traits.

You seem to suggest an evolutionary process at work in creating 
valuable personal character traits.  Am I correct?

> And 'turn the other cheek'? In the right situation can be very high
> quality behaviour but as a general strategy in dealing with other people
> I'd say it is a loser. I'd say it takes a highly intelligent individual
> to use that strategy successfully.

Perhaps you have in mind Ghandi and Dr. King. If so, I would say in 
those two cases anyway that the social milieu in which they practiced 
pacifism contributed greatly to their success. Had they tried the same 
tactics in the Soviet Union, they would have wound up chopping wood in 
a gulag. So yes, the "right situation" is crucial as you say.

Regards,
Platt