[MD] Social level for humans only

[plattholden at gmail.com]

On 19 Aug 2010 at 13:03, Krimel wrote:

> [Krimel]
> This question haunts only the terminally dense. Organisms survive to
> reproduce.
>
[Platt]
So why reproduce? Oh, I see. There is no why. Cop out.

[Krimel]
Because if you didn't come from a line of creatures who reproduced you
wouldn't be here. Creatures who don't pursue reproduction don't exist or at
least not for long. There are no exclusively homosexual societies or
societies that eat their young. A stronger propensity to reproduce results
in more offspring with a propensity to produce even more offspring. 

It is a case of "virtue" being is own reward. 

[P]
Is that your answer? If X I wouldn't be here? That's the same argument used  by 
proponents of intelligent design. Never thought I'd live to see you adopt the  
Anthropic theory.    

 > [Krimel]
> But the "motive," if you insist upon there being such a thing, is to find
> the path of least resistance.
>
[Platt]
If that's the motive, the path of least resistance would be to remain
inert..

[Krimel]
That is what everything is trying to do. But that path is blocked by the
influx of energy emanating from the sun.

[P]
Where is it written than anything has to respond to the sun's energy? The path 
of least resistance would be to ignore it. 


> [Krimel]
> Until you actually understand the theory it will always seem incomplete.
> Once you do understand it, it will also seem incomplete but in ways that
> don't make you sound like an idiot.
>
[Krimel]
So Pirsig is an idiot. Is that your position?

[Krimel]
No, but one of the few positions that most of the people who have had these
kinds of exchanges with you over the years share is that you are.

[P]
I see. You disagree with me on an issue. You disagree with Pirsig on the same 
issue. I'm an idiot, but Pirsig isn't. Makes you sound like a bonehead.

Note to Horse: I thought name-calling was to be avoided. Am I not permitted to 
respond in kind?