[MD] neener neener

[John Carl]

On Sat, Nov 7, 2009 at 4:45 PM, Steven Peterson <peterson.steve at gmail.com>wrote:

> Hi John,
>
> I already disagreed with you about emotions today, but since I know
> how much you enjoy disagreeing, I'll make your evening.
>

Gee.  I sorta feel bad.  You know me so well and I don't know you at all,
Steve.



> SOM as metaphysics is a branch of philosophy. Metaphysics is just one
> sort of philosophical activity, and philosophy is just one sort of
> intellectual activity.



So far, we agree.



>  Philosophy of the SOM sort is not the gateway
> to intellect.
>
>
sez you.  with very little reflection or thought to back up your assertion,
I'll have to demur for now because it sures seems that way to me.  Descartes
and all that - construction of a metaphysic built from a pre-assumed
self....



> You may be right that making distinctions between self and other are
> fundamental to intellect,

but the fact that a person talks about
> subjects and objects does not imply that this person is engaging in
> metaphysics of any kind. Metaphysics is philosophy.


Ok Steve, sorry I said "you stupid idiot", even in jest.  Enough with the
condescension already.

Yes, metaphysics is a branch of what we call "philosophy".  It is the branch
of philosophy that investigates fundamentals.  Consciousness of subject and
object is fundamental to society, but it's not fundamental to reality.
 Thinking that subjects and objects are fundamental to reality is SOM.

Got it.



> Most people don't
> spend much if any time doing philosophy, but all people (withe the
> exception of the mentally impaired) engage in some intellectual
> activity.
>

Does watching tv count?  Cuz unless it does, I disagree.