[MD] Consciousness

[ml]

PLATT:
<snip>
If the levels can be identified by the reactions of their experiencing
participants as Pirsig suggests in that answer, then the levels might be
better named as follows:

Inanimate    (Inorganic)
Instinctual   (Biological)
Institutional (Social)
Individual     (Intellectual)
Ineffable      (Aesthetic)

These names have a several of advantages. 1)The basic static nature of the
lower levels as being static (objective) is made clear. 2) The social level
is clearly identified as human (as Pirsig insists). 3) The importance of
the arts in putting us in touch with DQ is highlighted ("Beauty leads the
way forward" -- Gelernter)
<snip>

mel:
I don't find a name change an improvement.
Also, I don't see aesthetic as a higher/different
level--I find it firmly part of the tool set in intellect.

If anything, the renaming seems to ignore
attributes in an almost reductionist spirit.
But, that's just me...

thanks--mel