[MD] truth, again

[MarshaV]

Marsha:
I think of Anthony's statement "Quality is seen as absolute" as pointing to Dynamic Quality, or Buddhist's Ultimate Truth.  As such, he is indicating what is indeterminate, or not further analyzable, and, therefore, what exists in an ultimate sense.  It is beyond what can be conceptualized, beyond the concept/percept horizon.  I believe that is what is meant by the word "absolute".  Static patterns, or provincial truths, represent what is analyzable and, therefore, what exists in a relative or conventional sense and is the result of mental construction and interpretation. It is always understood as an object of conceptual thought.  

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Anthony writes:
“Intellectual values include truth, justice, freedom, democracy and, trial by jury. It’s worth noting that the MOQ follows a pragmatic notion of truth so truth is seen as relative in his system while Quality is seen as absolute.  In consequence, the truth is defined as the highest quality intellectual explanation at a given time.

RMP:
If the past is any guide to the future this explanation must be taken provisionally; as useful until something better comes along. One can then examine intellectual realities the same way he examines paintings of in an art gallery, not with an effort to find out which one is the ‘real’ painting, but simply to enjoy and keep those that are of value. There are many sets of intellectual reality in existence and we can perceive some to have more quality than others, but that we do so is, in part, the result our history and current patterns of values. (Pirsig, 1991, p.103)”

      (McWatt, Anthony,MOQ Textbook)


Marsha:
I have stated many times that I do not label 'truth' wrong, or bad, or "reject it."  I have nothing to say about 'truth'.  The idea of truth does not interest me. So while I concede that there is nothing inherently bad with the intellectual static pattern of value labeled 'truth', neither is there anything inherently wrong with my finding it more useful to consider objects of knowledge (stuff in the encyclopedia) _patterns_ rather than truths.  'Static patterns of value' represent RMP's terminology, and I think he made an excellent choice. I have never insisted, or suggested, that anyone adopt my position.  I like the idea of knowledge being labeled 'patterns'; it is the best representation of static quality.  Using this vernacular leads one to naturally "examine intellectual realities (patterns) the same way he examines paintings of in an art gallery, not with an effort to find out which one is the ‘real’ painting, but simply to enjoy and keep those that are of value."  RMP has it just right. 




 
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