[MD] What is SOM?

[MarshaV]

>At 04:29 AM 12/22/2007, Bo wrote:
>
> >Turn it around to better understand. The levels are results of
> >dynamic efforts to free existence from the strictures of the former
> >level, thus all patterns of the lower level exists inside the upper.
> >(as Pirsig says "all patterns are contained inside the intellectual
> >level) For example, USA is an intellect-dominated culture, but
> >when the "bells toll" (Sep.11 f.ex.) the social values of patriotism,
> >willingness to sacrifice, duty ...etc. emerges, but when the dust
> >settles the superior intellect returnes and take charge.

Greetings again Bo,

I found this in RMP's letter to Paul 09/2003:

"When getting into a definition of the intellectual level much 
clarity can be gained by recognizing a parallel with the lower 
levels. Just as every biological pattern is also inorganic, but not 
all inorganic patterns are biological; and just as every social level 
is also biological, although not all biological patterns are social; 
so every intellectual pattern is social although not all social 
patterns are intellectual. Handshaking, ballroom dancing, raising 
one's right hand to take an oath, tipping one's hat to the ladies, 
saying "Gesundheit !" after a sneeze-there are trillions of social 
customs that have no intellectual component. Intellectuality occurs 
when these customs as well as biological and inorganic patterns are 
designated with a sign that stands for them and these signs are 
manipulated independently of the patterns they stand for. "Intellect" 
can then be defined very loosely as the level of independently 
manipulable signs. Grammar, logic and mathematics can be described as 
the rules of this sign manipulation."

It sounds like RMP is saying that inorganic patterns, biological 
patterns & social patterns are contained within the Intellectual 
Level, but are represented as "a sign that stands for them".

I still like to know where your quote is coming from???

Marsha