[MD] Metaphysical issues: DQ

[Platt Holden]

> Platt says:
> 
> You are only out of line if you want to impose your idea of quality
> merchandise on others at the point of a gun, i.e., by government edict.
> And if you don't like a house that is expected to last only 50 years,
> build
> a better one.

[Andre]
> Platt, I am not imposing my idea of any quality merchandise on anyone.
> The
> market is trying to do it. That's my point. The market tries to tell me
> what
> I should have and cannot possibly do without, and it is very successful
> at
> doing this. It keeps it going.

By "impose" I meant "using threats of physical harm or loss of freedom."
Sorry I didn't make that clear.  To me there's a big difference between
"impose" and "persuade." The former suggests coercion, the latter, choice.  


> Let me explain what I try to make clear:I have an old mobile phone 
> (given
> to me by my girlfriend). It functions perfectly because I can call
> people
> and they can call me...really great but...and here is my point: the
> later
> versions can take photographs, access the internet, carry complete
> dictionaries and have functions that are really fun and great and
> whatever.
> These new functions have been introduced over a period of time and sold
> in
> such a way that you really felt you were missing something if you did
> not
> have the latest version. This is what I mean by the market being and
> keeping
> itself dynamic but I also say that I am not convinced it responds to the
> big
>  Q. For me they are variations on an old static pattern which keeps on
> being
> re-invigorated by the market in this way. Just following the latest
> fashions
> which are also in cycles because one-and -a-half generation has gone by
> and
> then presented again as something new.

Apparently the efforts of the market to persuade you to buy a new 
"improved" mobile phone haven't been successful. I still have my old phone, 
too. But, I'm grateful for many products that have improved over the years, 
like cars and computers.  

> As for the house...I am not allowed to build my own because I do not
> have
> the proper qualifications.
> But really I would not want one because I'm "only dancing on this earth
> for
> a short while"( Cat Stevens).

Well, I'm glad there are people who are qualified to build houses. I'm also 
only here for a short while, but I'd just as soon have a roof over my head 
while I'm here than not. :-)  
 
> I like your levelheadedness Platt (if there is such a word). Keep me on
> my
> toes.

Thanks. I appreciate that.

Platt