[MD] Taking Words Seriously

[MarshaV]

On Sep 5, 2011, at 7:10 PM, Matt Kundert wrote:

> 
> Hey Ian,
> 
> Matt said:
> What this local creation of "one use of DQ" from Pirsig cries out for 
> is a systematic supplementation of a laundry list of uses, thereby 
> moving us forward in "what Pirsig means."
> 
> Ian said:
> I like the "laundry list" idea. Anything too systematic or definitive 
> would destroy it (the ineffable DQ), but archetypical examples would 
> be useful.
> 
> Matt:
> It might be worth saying that perhaps part of the reason for the 
> queasy feeling people have towards too much systematicity of 
> thought in interpreting Pirsig can be attributed to not making a 
> distinction between Dynamic Quality and "Dynamic Quality."  
> 
> For example, if one makes that distinction, it makes no sense to say 
> that one could destroy Dynamic Quality by systematizing Pirsig's use 
> of "Dynamic Quality," because it immediately shows one how the 
> thought cuts against the grain of what Pirsig intended--which was 
> never the thought that _he_ was evacuating the full meaning of DQ.  
> (This distinction between DQ and "DQ" may perhaps catch Joe's 
> distinction between the "metaphysical description DQ/SQ" and what 
> he took to my abandonment of it in favor of the "laundry list."  I 
> hope this and what follows suggests why I do not take the issue of 
> abandonment to even arise.)
> 
> You, Ian, didn't intend to say that, but I think you can see the slip 
> between the two senses now between what I said and then you said.  
> And I think this is a common slip for many, one too often (if, as I 
> sincerely think, almost entirely unconsciously) used to cover against 
> having to do the hard work of excavating in long chains of argument 
> and close reading "what Pirsig means."  It's easier just to "groove 
> on it," to use the hippie DQ-lingo.  


Hello Matt,

I am looking forward to your laundry list concerning DQ, and even 
more to your attempt to string them together into a logical syllogism.   
Add my Oxford quote if you like.  

I also resent your "groove on it" remark. I have an advanced degree, 
but I'm not trying to posture as an Academic.  I would think a GOOD 
motorcycle mechanic, or carpenter, or a musician, would be as 
welcome on this list as university students and university instructors.  
No one should be forced to speak academiceze.; well, only Chimpanzees.  


Marsha 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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