[MD] What is SOM?

[Steve Peterson]

I started this thread to discuss the question: what does Pirsig mean  
by SOM?

There seems to be some confusion about "objects."  here are some of  
RMP's comments on this confusion:

101.   I think the confusion here is between the “object” of a  
sentence (Gegenstand) and a
physical object. When you call ideas “objects” you destroy the normal  
meaning of those
terms and introduce confusion."  -RMP, LC

104.      Object: n.
1)   Something perceptible by one or more of the senses, especially  
by vision or touch; a material thing.
2)  A focus of attention, feeling, thought, or action.
3)  The purpose, aim, or goal of a specific action or effort.
4)  Abbr. obj. Grammar. a. A noun or substantive that receives or is  
affected by the action of a verb within a sentence. b. A noun or  
substantive following and governed by a preposition.
5)   Philosophy. Something intelligible or perceptible by the mind.
(American Heritage Dictionary)
The “objects” in the MOQ refer to Definition #1. Objects are  
biological patterns and
inorganic patterns, not thoughts or social patterns... It seems to me  
that in Definition #5 subjects can also be objects.
Thus any distinction between them is meaningless.