[MD] The Quality of Freedom

[Ham Priday]

On 12/07/09, 5:16 PM, "Joseph Maurer" <jhmau at sbcglobal.net> wrote:


> Hi Ham and all,
>
> I am sorry, Ham, your Idealism is showing.  In your terminology
> the lack of an existence that could accept a division like DQ/SQ
> makes communication with you on a metaphysical level, a pouring
> from the empty into the void.  Existence is prior to reality.
> A judgment of Reality without existence is idealism.  Realism is a
> further judgment about the reality of existence.

Well, I'm sorry that my "Idealism" is more than you can deal with.  But if 
your ontology is based on the premise that existence is "prior to reality", 
I would suggest that you subscribe to Objectivism rather than Realism.

The Essence of my philosophy is the uncreated Source which, by definition 
and logic, is not only self-sufficient but primary to all creation.  No one 
here is arguing for "a reality without existence," although the latter is 
not essential to Absolute Essence.  Moreover, your assertion that Realism is 
"a judgment about the reality of existence" is a nihilistic take on the 
objectivist position.  It begs the question of how any other reality can be 
valid.

Your response saddens me, but I am not surprised.  Despite Pirsig's eloquent 
efforts to disparage subjects and objects under the banner of 'Qualityism', 
the majority of DM participants are really objectivists at heart.  This is 
typically revealed when an extended dialogue on the fundamentals of ontology 
reaches an impasse.  You and I have been around this path before, Joe, but 
your willingness to reconsider my position led me to believe we might avoid 
disappointment this time.

You express your ideas well, and I've appreciated your inputs and insights. 
But "a meeting of the minds" is not to be.

Have a joyful holiday season.

--Ham