[
from Bill Powers (2000.09.01.0818 MDT)]
Bruce Gregory (2000.0901.0952)]
An alternative model is one in which the Observer cannot manipulate the
hierarchy, but simply observes it. In this model, the descriptions
associated with the hierarchy are outputs of the hierarchy.
If the Observer as I conceive it can't have any effects on the hierarchy,
then the so-called Observer is simply another part of the hierarchy -- it
has to have effects on the hierarchy; otherwise, how would anything in the
hierarchy know anything about it?
One way to
think of this is that the hierarchy incorporates a "voice over" that
comments on the actions of the hierarchy. This voice over has no outputs
except verbal ones.
Well, yes, by definition. But it also has to have inputs, in order to
comment on anything in a way that actually has something to do with what is
going on.
The voice over is developed by reorganization to
enable us to use language as an output to control other perceptions.
Beginning meditators discover how little control they exercise over the
voice over. (The voice over is the voice in your head saying, "Voice
over? What the hell is he talking about? I don't have any voice over.")
And the Observer is what knows that the latter thought is just a thought,
which you can think or not think as you please.
Best,
Bill P.