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

[plattholden at gmail.com]

On 9 Nov 2009 at 20:19, craigerb at comcast.net wrote:

> 
> [Platt] 
> > Why does a "successful gene set" work to insure survival? The word 
> > "successful" implies that survival is better than the alternative. 
> 
> No.   "Successful" in this context merely means a gene set that succeeds 
> in allowing the organism to survive until it is able to reproduce 
> (that same gene set). 
> 
> [Platt] 
> > Why wasn't nature content to remain at the inorganic level? You 
> > describe HOW evolution works. My question (and Pirsig's) is, "WHY?" 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> If you're looking for ultimate explanations, as Pirsig notes, 
> you'll be disappointed.  Explanation comes to an end, limited by our 
> knowledge.  Explanations only improve when our knowledge does. 
> Take a simple case: why are positive & negative charges attracted to 
> each other?  We use this fact to explain the behavior of particles, but 
> at this time we cannot explain this fact itself.  And if we ever do, that will 
> just raise the question of what in turn explains that explanation. 
> Craig 

Hi Craig,

Pirsig claims the MOQ explains ultimate reality. From his annotations to 
the Copleston paper:

"The MOQ, on the other hand, explains evil in evolutionary terms that 
are compatible with its theory of ultimate reality."

This ties with his answer to "Why survive?

"But in a value-centered explanation of evolution they are close to the 
Dynamic process itself, pulling the pattern of life forward to greater 
levels of versatility, and freedom." (Lila, 11)

So yes, I look to philosophy to provide ultimate explanations, and for 
me, Pirsig answers my questions better than any other, including why . 
positive and negative charges are attracted to one another. Because 
they value that attraction as a consequence of the world's moral order.  

Best,
Platt







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