[MD] The Quality/MOQ dichotomy.

[Platt Holden]

Hi Ham,

[Ham]
> Words, symbols, and language are representations.  Intellect is what makes
> experience comprehensible to the subject so that concepts can be
> represented 
> symbolically.

With all due respect, my cat, UTOE, exhibits the ability to make his 
experience comprehensible to him (the subject) by responding accordingly, 
like when he watches me go to the cupboard to get his food. But I dare say 
he lacks intellect as we commonly define the word. So I would have to agree 
that what separates me from my cat (assuming you grant me an intellect) is 
my ability to symbolize my experience, although in some respects UTOE is no 
doubt smarter than me, especially when it comes to free-loading. 

Bo has defined intellect properly as the value of the subject/object 
division, a value you rigorously support. But from an MOQ perspective, what 
is more fundamental than the S/O division is the value.

I can lose my sense of being a subject observing an object, but never my 
sense of this is better than that, even while dreaming. 

Anyway, intellect has brought us such marvels as the Reid/Pelosi stimulus 
(stealfromus) bill, proving Ben Franklin's observation: "So convenient it 
is to be a rational creature, since it enables us to find or make a reason 
for everything one has a mind to do."  

Best regards,
Platt