[MD] Social Darwinism

[pholden at davtv.com]

Quoting Krimel <Krimel at Krimel.com>:


> [Krimel]
> Mine is a pretty stripped down version of the MoQ. I think the static and
> dynamic distinction is a critical insight that goes along quite nicely with
> complexity theory, Taoism and common sense. We have no trouble in daily life
> distinguishing between things that are good or bad for us. We recognize
> things that might happen and things that are likely to happen and things
> that ain't never gonna happen. We are gamblers at heart and the best of us
> know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. I think Pirsig folded to soon on
> his metaphysics of randomness.

Metaphysics of randomness? Not on your life. A metaphysics of purpose would be
more like it. 

"On the other hand, the shift in cell reproduction from mitosis to meiosis to
permit sexual choice and allow huge DNA diversification is a Dynamic advance.
So is the collective organization of cells into metazoan societies called plants
and animals. So are sexual choice, symbiosis, death and regeneration, communality,
communication, speculative thought curiosity and art. Most of these, when viewed
in a substance-centered evolutionary way, are thought of as mere incidental 
properties of the molecular machine. But in a value-centered explanation of 
evolution they are close to the Dynamic process itself, pulling the pattern of
life forward to greater levels of versatility, and freedom." (Lila, 11)

Unless and until you accept Pirsig's explanation of evolution, your version of
the MOQ is more than stripped down. It's naked as a Jaybird. 


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