[MD] Mystics and Brains

[pholden at davtv.com]

Quoting Case <Case at iSpots.com>:

> [Platt]
> If you posit that the universe evolved in order to observe itself, then it
> has a lot to do with us. If you say the universe evolved for no reason at
> all, then you end up in a wasteland where "Each individual in his cell of
> isolation was told that no matter how hard he tried, no matter how hard he
> worked, his whole life is that of an animal that lives and thinks like any
> other animal. He could invent moral goals for himself, but they are just
> artificial inventions. Scientifically speaking he has no goals." (Lila, 22)
> I prefer the former scenario to the latter. 
> 
> [Case]
> I see no reason to posit this business about the universe observing itself.

It's what your scientist friends do with a vengeance.

> What Pirsig is talking about and apparently succumbs to, is the fear that
> without some purpose being imposed from the outside we can have none. This
> need to pass the buck onto the universe or God or the MoQ is deep seated to
> be sure. It is terrifying to think that we are alone and left to our own
> devices. But if it comes down to a matter of preference I prefer honest
> terror to a dishonest security blanket.

That the universe has no purpose is as much a conjecture on your part as 
that it does have purpose is conjecture on mine. In other words, to claim
you are honest and those who believe differently are not is pure arrogance.

> [Platt]
> I guess you are as sure that psychic energy doesn't exist as I am that the
> universe exhibits purpose.
>  
> [Case]
> I don't really expect to be sure about much but it is safe to say that I see
> not one shred of evidence for either.

Plenty of evidence for both if you are willing to look and keep an open mind. Just
the fact that you and I are purposeful beings and are part of the universe
belies the assertion that the universe is without purpose. As for psi effects,
plenty of those around in scientific experiments, like the Princeton experiments
mentioned before.





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