Knowing About Knowledge
“Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive” - Robert M. Pirsig
Robert Pirsig’s acclaimed novel, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, recalls the events that took place on his summer motorcycle journey across the Midwest with his son, Chris and two friends, John and Sylvia. During the course of his vast travels, Pirsig arrives at many philosophical conclusions in order better explain the meaning the of life. Early in the book, Pirsig takes an in-depth look at the topic of knowledge. He claims that prominent laws of science are nonexistent, and that the only reason we accept them is because as humans, we are the subjects of mass hypnosis. Pirsig’s views on knowledge can be effectively linked to those of John Locke and Plato.
Chapter Three begins with the group’s departure from the Red River Valley. Storm clouds were looming overhead, and the group of motorcyclists decided it would be best to seek shelter. They arrived at a motel where they would rest briefly, and eventually head into town for dinner. After dinner, they walked back to the motel and relaxed in its courtyard. In an attempt at entertainment, Chris suggests that the group sing songs. This notion was quickly rejected, and the group decided to tell stories. After some time, the topic of ghosts came up. Chris inquired the group whether or not they believed in them.
Pirsig states that he does not believe in ghosts because they are “un-sci-en-ti-fic” (30). He claims that: “They contain no matter, and have no energy and therefore, according to the laws of science, do not exist except in people’s minds” (30). Pirsig then claims that since the laws of science contain no matter or energy, they too a ...