[MD] Beyond the Hoax

[Krimel]

[Platt] 
Now maybe Pirsig is all wet. Perhaps there is a scientific basis for social 
morals as proposed by sociobiologists who claim moral behavior is 
genetically imprinted in the brain. But if the idea of morality is expanded 
to include our experience of value (some things are better than others), 
then morality breaks out of its social context and can 1) help explain 
phenomena beyond the purview of science and 2) provide a framework for more 
rational moral decisions.

[Krimel]
The problem with this is that it is simply not true that morals and values
can not be studied scientifically. All of the social sciences invent and
adopt methodologies for doing just that. Pirsig's rants against early 20th
century anthropology are not aimed at the concept of studying culture. He
complains about a particular methodological orientation toward the study of
culture. Much of what flaws Pirsig's views is that he seems to be rehashing
the arguments that drove him insane in the early 60's without updating them.
His finger often points at moons that have moved on. 

[Platt]
Anyway I think that's what Pirsig was trying to accomplish with the MOQ.
That he came up short in convincing readers that reality is based on a  
moral order is obvious from the discussions on this site. Still, he can 
take some comfort from being provocative which is no small feat in the 
field of philosophy after the demise of Derrida-style postmodernism and the 
consequent elevation of other 20th century philosophers -- James, 
Heidegger, Dewey, etc. --- who, to me at least, are old news (not to 
mention boring). 

[Krimel]
I think the best that philosophy can hope for is to add perspective to what
we learn from the sciences. Philosophy is at its root the love of wisdom.
Science at its best strives to tell us what is, philosophy can help us
decide what we ought to do about it. When science ignores philosophy you get
atomic weapons and global warming. When philosophy ignores science it
becomes irrelevant.

[Platt]
Whatever. We learn from one another and even have some fun in the process. 

[Krimel]
Indeed.