[MD] An inquiry into morals

[Steven Peterson]

 Hi Platt,

>> Platt said:
>> >> Is it moral for politicians to promise benefits using other people's
>> >> money?
>> >>
>> >> Seem to me that's a social pattern attempting to devour an intellectual
>> >> pattern and thus immoral.

>> 
>> Steve:
>> Can you explain why this is an example of a social pattern attempting to devour an
>> intellectual pattern?


Platt:
>The intellectual pattern values our personal freedom from social value coercion
>as exemplified by Pirsig's citing intellect as the moral basis for the values of
>free speech, freedom of the press and trial by jury. (Lila, 13)

Steve:
I agree that it is the higher position of the intellectual level relative to the social level that justifies the morality of free speech, freedom of the press, and trial by jury. These protect ideas from social control.

I should have been more specific. What is the intellectual pattern that is being devoured by what social pattern?

Regards,
Steve