[MD] MOQ and the Future: An Inquiry into Usefulness

[markhsmit]

On Nov 3, 2009, at 1:01:28 AM, "Ham Priday" <hampday1 at verizon.net> wrote:
> I have no doubt that MOQ can be made to be logically sound.
> Each time a question or possibility is raised, added structure can
> be included to cover such disputes. What I do have doubts about
> is whether the system put together by MOQ has any usefulness.
> Given that any number of metaphysical systems can be formed,
> usefulness can become an important discriminatory tool.

You raise an important question, and it will be interesting to see how the 
Pirsigians respond. Personally, I'm not convinced that a philosophy can or 
should be "useful" in the utilitarian sense. Metaphysics, which is the 
basis for most classical philosophy, is necessarily theoretical and cannot 
be validated empirically. Except for offering a conceptual hypothesis that 
may allow a certain paradigm of reality to take shape in the philosopher's 
mind, philosophy can't be "used" to achieve a given result or objective. 
Unlike logic, mathematics, or chemistry, for example, philosophy cannot be 
applied directly to the solution of "practical" problems.

Hi Ham,
Thank you for your response, which I found educating.  My opinion of the purpose
of philosophy is perhaps a bit different.  This may come from my being a
biotechnologist, or an applied scientist (as opposed to a pure scientist).
Historically, metaphysics has bled over into societal development.  It is often
difficult to differentiate between a philosophy being a result of the times or
influencing the times or both.  It is in this way that I use the term usefulness.

At the very least, a convincing metaphysics provides the individual with a
sense of enlightenment or understanding.  Such an understanding may 
indeed influence his/her daily behavior.  When a group of people get
together under the same metaphysical concept, their interaction may
be influenced by their thinking.  I don't think I am going too far to say that
the concept of evolution is metaphysical itself.  Such a concept has
indeed been used to explain or justify behavior.

With that in mind, keeping with my impression of the ideas of MOQ, I
see levels of control.  The integration of systems each providing more 
guidance to the ones below.  If the intellect is put above all else, what
are the expected results?  Are directions for behavior to be subservient
to a larger power?  What is the ultimate direction of such intellectual
control?  Will free will be affected?

I differentiate between my concept of Quality, and those that I see
being proposed by many of those submitting to this forum in the
name of MOQ.

Cheers,
Mark