Replying to Michael
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>From a view that values occur in a complex adaptive environment and
are themselves complex adaptive linguitic phenomena, we can see this
question from a somewhat different perspective. In this view, there
are no single values. Values do not exist separately from each
other. Values exist only as networks or clusters which are all
interrelated yet not in any necessary fixed relationship to each
other. These values emerged from an interplay with a social
environment and continue to emerge in similar interplays. The
relationship between them is always at least influenced by the
environment.
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No problem with the perspective though values and the social structures
they enable also interact with the physical environment.
No problem with values as part of a complex and largely linguistically
transmitted phenomena [depends whether you view cultural arefacts up to
and including temples and corporate head offices as language which is a
separate or at least separatable discussion].
Indeed as a Neo-Darwinian complex adaptionist [if there is such a thing I
have just invented the distinction] I would say that values are an
expression of 'selfish memes' seeking their replication through the
structures they enable. This does not imply that I endorse 'selfish'
behaviour. Values, even 'good ones' are only selfish from their
perspective.
It does for me mean that values clashing are not part of a Western
Reductionist tradition but part of the driving force of evolution and we
become victims of "the tyranny of the selfish replicator" unless we are
aware of the fact.
One way to awareness is, adapting your language slightly to recognise that
values do clash but do indeed also
>provide us with opportunities to "wake up" from our cultural sleep and
>automatic behaviours.
Another way to awareness that I am stuggling with at the moment is to
recognise that ultimately the individual expresses his or her values
through their actions [A point made clear for me in recent months by Rol
for which many thanks Rol] and to enquire how we can build wider social
value sets that enable the values we might wish to see a society founded
on. The alternative is to go on letting the values and all the rest of the
linguistic/ paradigmatic meaning pattern slug it out. That may even be the
'best' way but I do not feel optimistic about it.
If Price
The Harrow Partnership
Pewley Fort Guildford UK
101701.3454@compuserve.com
--Dr Ilfryn Price <101701.3454@compuserve.com>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>