[MD] Essentialism and the MOQ

[LARAMIE LOEWEN]

[H]:
The MoQ does not even define "man" as a creature with proprietary
consciousness.  It is concerned with mankind in the collectivist sense -- as
a social species, as a product of biological and intellectual evolution.
The very faculties that make man unique among living organisms -- 
self-awareness, intellection, value sensibility, moral judgment, and
creativity -- are relegated to an obscure, unsubstantiated esthetic realm
that is self-sufficient in its own right and denies the individual of any
contribution or role in the universe.  If evolution proceeds automatically
to "betterness", what purpose does man serve?  He is a complex but captive
biological organism swept up in this cosmic movement without free choice or
any hope of transcending differentiated existence.


[L]:
You might like Ken Wilber's map a little better, although he too plugs consciousness 
into nature.  Wilber accepts Pirsig's evolutionary levels, but denies that 
subjects come from objects.  Subjects and objects are the interior and exterior of every 
level.  Individuals and societies exist at each level.  Subjects responding to Spirit [DQ? 
Essence?] drive the process.  Something like PA is the dynamic aspect of the interior of 
every level - Inorganic, Biological, Social and Intellectual.  At the higher reaches of the 
intellectual level, this whole process becomes aware of itself and man's purpose becomes 
clear.  If this sounds interesting, you might check out "Integral Spirituality"  

Cheers.