[MD] Intellectual acitivity

[Ham Priday]

Hi Alice --


[Ham, previously]:
> [Pirsig] explains physical reality as the creation of experience,
> but his readers are left to infer that "mind" or self-awareness
> is an insignificant, accidental by-product of biological
> evolution.

[Alice]:
> I wonder if this is your inference because of your particular
> point of view.  Insignificant is not the same as accidental and
> I have my doubts as to whether anyone, including Pirsig,
> thinks self awareness is insignificant.

I would wonder about that, too.  (Could it be that defining a cognizant
subject in an objective world usually implies duality?)  But I'll wait to
see what you have to say after reading LILA.

[Ham, previously]:
> "Self" is that non-empirical identity which becomes aware of
> the essential Source as differentiated otherness."

[Alice]:
> And may I assume that the essential Source you are referring to is God?

You may assume that; most do.  I avoid the label 'God' because it tends to
conjure up an anthropomorphic Being who exists somewhere in outer space and
occasionally intervenes in human affairs, either by "special request" or to
make periodic adjustments in accordance with (his) Divine Will.  Essence, by
contrast, is not a Being but the uncreated, immutable source of all that is.

While you're waiting for LILA, may I suggest that you take some time to read
my metaphysical thesis (the lengthy page preceding Values in the Balance)?
This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of Essence than I can
summarize for you in this space.  I've been hoping to find someone willing
to provide an intelligent critique of this philosophy.  Mr. Pirsig has
already declined, along with several others here.  Possibly you will take up
the challenge.

Essentially yours,
Ham