[MD] Reductionism

[Ham Priday]

Craig --



> ' the transduction of energy' is a concept;
>
> the transduction of energy is a process.
> See
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Use%E2%80%93mention_distinction


Words as "usage" vs. words as "words" is unnecessary sophistry.  So 
evolution is a process, unless it is enclosed in quotes, in which case 
"evolution" is a nine-letter word.  Big deal!

Transduction refers to the transfer of energy from one state or form to 
another, usually with the aid of a transducer.  A microphone, for example, 
is a transducer that converts sound waves (air pressure variations) into 
corresponding electrical signals (voltage modulations) for use in recording 
or broadcasting applications.  Cell membranes can act as biological 
transducers in photosynthesis, as well as in sensory receptor and 
neuro-muscular kinetics.  More sophistry.

This is far too mechanistic for a discussion of epistemology.  It is also 
misleading IMO, because it assumes that energy is the primary source.  I've 
seen nothing in Pirsig's writings that would equate Quality or value 
sensibility, let alone consciousness, with "energy" -- as a concept or a 
process.

The primary characteristic of existential experience is Difference. 
Subjective awareness is separated from organic beingness for each of us.  As 
individual subjects we are differentiated from each other and from our 
perceived objects.  Time is differentiated from space, and "good" and "bad" 
are divided into a range of perceptible values.  Indeed, the ability to 
discriminate between values is what makes human beings unique in the animal 
kingdom.  The operating principle of being human is to value differentially 
the Absolute Reality from which we are separated at birth.

To dismiss this principle in order to accommodate a philosopher-poet's 
euphemistic "monism" is to deny the meaning of experiential existence.

Again, in my opinion.

Regards,
Ham