From: Michael Roy Ames (michaelroyames@hotmail.com)
Date: Wed Dec 04 2002 - 19:55:26 MST
Dear Gordon,
You wrote:
>
> While this kind of argument usually gets me in trouble, maybe
> it won't be misconstrued here.
>
He he! I'll bet it does get you in trouble ;> But not from me 8^)
>
> I argue that you are not looking closely enough at your own
> mind. I am not a big fan of dogs. I'm not scared of them,
> but I'm not going to keep one in my house. When I see a
> puppy or any dog I don't really feel like it's cute. At
> the same time, I can tell that there is part of my brain
> saying "cute cute cute" even though other parts of my brain
> are overriding it enough that its influence can be very
> subtle and difficult to notice.
>
Ahh. The scenario of 'looking at part of my brain' is familiar. To
me it is part of considering different points of view, or modelling
different mind-states. Indeed I do it all the time. However, if
someone were to ask me: "Do you consider X beautiful" I can usually
give them a truthful answer in short order. I do not have to 'hedge'
by saying: "Well part of me thinks X is a bit too yellow, and another
part of me loves the yellowness of it".
>
> Also, if you really truly do not have anything in your
> brain saying that puppies or babies are cute, then
> your brain may be broken in that respect.
>
One being's break may be another beings advantage.
>
> As far as your brain is concerned, it's anything that you
> like to sense and might seek out to sense.
>
Oh, I agree with that: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
>
> [snip]
> On the other hand, not many people will refuse members of
> their kin group food (note that there is some cultural
> influence as to how large you actively consider your kin
> group, but it's usually several levels out, even in
> America). Also, there are ethics concerning how much
> sharing you'll permit, even with kin groups. The
> degree of support hinges on the degree of relatedness.
> If a person is related too little, you might even refuse
> support.
>
I have heard this argument before, and have observed that it closely
corresponds to how humans behave *generally speaking*. However, this
behaviour may change for individuals who understand EP and take it to
heart. Such a person might say to themselves: "I am genetically
programmed to decide this way... but is it in my best interest? Does
it still make sense?" Sometimes I ask these questions to myself, and
find that the answer is: No - not in my best interest, and doesn't
make sense. Does that mean my mind is broken? I think not. Newly
'patched' perhaps. ;)
Michael Roy Ames
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