[MD] The SOM/MOQ discrepancy.

[Ham Priday]

Craig [Arlo mentioned]:


> Let's recap (as Arlo would say).
> You said: all LOGICAL propositions are based on
> the relational system we call existence.
> I said: EMPIRICAL propositions.
> You replied: ALL propositions, EXCEPT (drum roll)
> a LOGICAL proposition (A=A).
> Your position is confusing.

I don't see the confusion.  The expression "A = A" defines an identity, not 
a relation, so it's not really a logical proposition.  I used it only to 
demonstrate that propositions are in the form of "A causes B" or "1 + 2 = 3" 
or "if  this, then that".  In other words, they express relational 
possibilities, effects, axioms, etc., all of which involve differentiated 
entities or integers.  The absolute (Essence) is non-relational and 
undifferentiated, so it lies outside the category of logical propositions.

[Ham]:
> ...scientists and geneticists...explain the process [of consciousness]
> in terms of biological evolution.  But that's "cause-and-effect",
> the experiential worldview of empiricism, not philosophy.

[Craig]:
> Yes, consciousness must be explained as an experience.
> How else?

Consciousness is often DESCRIBED as "intellect", "mind", or "sensibility" 
which emerges in the process of evolution.  But since the capacity of 
conscious awareness is not a process, and consciousness itself is not an 
'existent", we can't explain it as a biological event.  Arlo refuses to 
accept anything as valid that is not empirically experienced.  Only 
existents are real for him, so he denies the subjective self and the 
possibility of a reality that transcends finite existence.  Since that makes 
it impossible to explain anything in metaphysical terms, he accuses me of 
refusing to define awareness and Essence as processes in time.  If Value 
(Quality) had not been equated to Experience by Pirsig, I suspect he would 
be denying that, too.

I hope your mind is not also closed to metaphysical theory, Craig, although 
your "confusion" over my positon is not every encouraging.

Regards,
Ham