[MD] The Fringe Factor

[Ant McWatt]

Ham Priday stated October 12th (to Platt and others):

>As the elder "renegade" in this forum, it occurs to me that I represent a
>disproportionately small minority here.  Wouldn't it be fun, if not also
>philosophically constructive, to organize a "fringe" group that could add
>some intellectual balance to this indoctrination campaign...
>
>I see this working to accomplish three objectives, all of which should aid
>and strengthen the Quality thesis in the long term:
>
>1)  Identify and explain ambiguities that frustrate newcomers and remain
>troublesome to the Pirsigians themselves.
>
>2)  Explore and reach some consensus with regard to philosophical
>differences within the "fringe" -- Randians, Platonists, Existentialists,
>Essentialists, Objectivists, Idealists,  Humanists, etc.
>
>3)  Integrate or account for traditional concepts [e.g., individualism,
>duality, creation, cause-and-effect, transcendence] in the MOQ so as to 
>make
>it more universally acceptable without degrading the Quality thesis.


As you're still "buying into" SOM, this sounds a good idea to me, Ham.  Just 
glad you weren't talking about Beatle haircuts...

Best wishes,

Anthony


Ham Priday stated October 12th (to Platt and others):

>Your welcome response, coming as it does on the heels of Micah's eloquent
>support for the human individual, has inspired an idea I'd like to try on
>both of you.  The Pirsigians are bursting with excitement at the prospect 
>of
>starting a 'Guidebook to the MoQ', which may even include a 'Primer' for
>children and something called 'A Formalized Code of Art'.
>
>That's all well and good -- for those who walk the straight line.  But as
>the elder "renegade" in this forum, it occurs to me that I represent a
>disproportionately small minority here.  Wouldn't it be fun, if not also
>philosophically constructive, to organize a "fringe" group that could add
>some intellectual balance to this indoctrination campaign?
>
>You, Micah, (possibly) Platt, and I should be able to come up with a 
>heading
>at least as provocative as Flying Spaghetti Monsters. "Revenge of the
>Randians" immediately
>comes to mind; however, I don't envision a political debate but rather a
>means of clarifying some of the fundamental issues that remain contentious
>in the MoQ and that will
>certainly be ignored if the proposed project is implemented and viewed as 
>an
>"inside job".
>
>I see this working to accomplish three objectives, all of which should aid
>and strengthen the Quality thesis in the long term:
>
>1)  Identify and explain ambiguities that frustrate newcomers and remain
>troublesome to the Pirsigians themselves.
>
>2)  Explore and reach some consensus with regard to philosophical
>differences within the "fringe" -- Randians, Platonists, Existentialists,
>Essentialists, Objectivists, Idealists,  Humanists, etc.
>
>3)  Integrate or account for traditional concepts [e.g., individualism,
>duality, creation, cause-and-effect, transcendence] in the MOQ so as to 
>make
>it more universally acceptable without degrading the Quality thesis.
>
>What are your thoughts on this idea?  I realize it might conflict with
>Micah's commitment to the Guidebook.  Also, I'm not sure whether Laramie's
>time schedule currently allows "regular participation" in the MD.
>
>Anyway, I'll run this suggestion up the flagpole as something to consider,
>and watch to see who salutes.
>
>Cheers to you both,
>Ham
>

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