[Moq_Discuss] Essentialism: MATTER AND FORM

[Ham Priday]

Ron --



> In as far I know Quantum mechanics uses a process to
> theorize which is very similar to Pirsig's pragmatic method.
> It describes itself as a theory of possibilites.  What I like
> about MOQ is its practical functionality which I have
> put to use in my daily life. What aspects of
> Essentialism have this sort of application?
>
> You obviously think Essentialism is better than MOQ.
> Can you explain why you feel this way?

I am not aware of any "special method" that distinguishes Quantum Physics 
from the other sciences.  The University of Rochester outlines the 
methodology of Science in four steps:

"1. Observation and description of a phenomenon or group of phenomena.

 2. Formulation of an hypothesis to explain the phenomena. In physics, the 
hypothesis often   takes the form of a causal mechanism or a mathematical 
relation.

 3. Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to 
predict quantitatively the results of new observations.

 4. Performance of experimental tests of the predictions by several 
independent experimenters  and properly performed experiments."

What do you consider Pirsig's "Pragmatic Method", and how have you put it to 
use in your
daily life?  Can you explain phenomena from it, make predictions from it, or 
have it confirmed by independent observers?

I do not posit Essentialism as a Science, since it is not intended as an 
investigation of empirical phenomena and its conclusions are not empirically 
confirmable.  I don't even think philosophy should be "scientific".  Nor do 
I believe a philosopher should tell other people how to live or what 
decisions to make.  The purpose of philosophy is to answer questions outside 
the province of Science, such as where does existence come from, what is the 
meaning of life, and what is man's role in the universe?

If a philosophy can provide a perspective that helps you understand your 
relation to the creative source, your life-experience will be enriched and 
your life goals better defined.  You will be less dependent on external 
authority for your decisions and more appreciative of the values that are 
yours to choose.  I am optimistic enough to believe that mankind has the 
potential to develop a society of  "authentic" individuals, self-reliant 
free-thinkers who revere human life and are moved to preserve its values.

The first step in this process is to acknowledge that there is a reason for 
our existence and that it won't be found by simply exploring new frontiers 
of objective knowledge.  Those who have succumbed to postmodern nihilism are 
already lost to the cause.  They've been brainwashed to the ideology that 
subjectivity is a myth and that man is a bio-mechanical product of 
evolution, a pawn in a predetermined system.

Regrettably, individuals who have rejected the dogma of religion often turn 
their spiritual spigots to the OFF position and will never accept the 
concept of a primary source.  That is foolish, because belief is not a black 
and white matter.  To pit Faith against Science is an exercise in futility 
where everybody comes out the loser.  I won't get into specifics.  Suffice 
it to say that man has the autonomy to be the choice-maker of his world. 
What one believes -- whether it's based on knowledge, intuition, or 
values -- determines one's reality.  In that sense, we are each free to 
choose our own reality.

That's the gist of the "practicality" of Essentialism.  I hope I've answered 
your questions.

Regards,
Ham