[MD] The other side of Value

[Ham Priday]

Hi Joe --

On  May 23, 2011 at 7:19 PM, Joseph  Maurer <jhmau at comcast.net> wrote:


> Hi Mark,
>
> I disagree with Ham stating that the format for metaphysics
> is essentialism.  I prefer Pirsig's DQ/SQ format which gives
> the nod to evolution.  For me it is hard to envision DQ/SQ
> in an essentialist format.  I find it more compelling to see
> DQ/SQ in an existential format, evolution, levels in existence.

Of course you do!  Evolution, the levels hierarchy, the divisions of nature, 
and morality are what Pirsig is addressing, and they're all existential --  
the "objective side" of Value.  It is compelling to you because your 
experience relates to it.  But it's only the differentiated half of the 
ontology.  Value isn't just "out there", by itself, wanting to be 
appreciated.  Value is the relationship between man and his uncreated 
Source.  Take away either of these contingencies, and there is no Value.

My argument all along is that Pirsig did not provide us with a complete 
metaphysics.  His Quality is the ground of physical existence, not its 
creator.  Quality (Value) spans two realities -- the physical world, and the 
meta-physical Source.  As such, Value is our iinextricable link to the 
essential Source.  The MoQ does not account for creation beyond evolutionary 
process. Instead we are left with a conditional, pluralistic universe that 
either arises from nothing, had no beginning, or is illusionary.  What kind 
of cosmology is that?

Once you acknowledge a primary source, your role as the free agent in a 
valuistic universe becomes significant and meaningful.  You're not just 
another creature pushed along in life by natural instinct or some 
undefinable thing called Quality.  You actualize your universe 
experientially, according to your value preferences and rational judgment. 
This not only changes the course of history, it enables you to reclaim the 
essential Value from which you were negated (estranged) at birth.  That 
"value complement" is your essential reality.  It's the opportunity of a 
lifetime . . . and you have only one lifetime to partake of it.

I think Mark is beginning to see the light, and Andre seems to be working on 
it.  Whether you define Value as Love, Beauty, Desire, or Goodness, you have 
the power to identify with it and make it your own.  And when you understand 
that Value is your affinity for Absolute Essence, you'll see why 
metaphysical Valuism makes a lot more sense than existential Qualityism.

Best wishes for your enlightenment to Value,
Ham