Objectivity And Why It Is Necessary

Objectivity means that a truth is universally true, regardless of human thought or approach. It has been established that when considering and presenting facts, objective decisions are not influenced by personal feelings or opinions. 

 

•    For example: 1. "2 plus 2 equals 4," is an objective fact because it holds true in all situations and everywhere. A subjective fact, on the other hand, is one that is only true under specific circumstances, at specific times, in specific places, or for specific people. 

 

•    2. Someone who enjoys a particular song may believe it is good, but this is not true for everyone.

 

•    Depending on whether we are speaking ontologically or epistemologically, the terms "objectivity" and "subjectivity" have different meanings. Ontological statements are assertions about what we believe to be true. Statements about what we believe to be true are known as epistemological statements.

 

•    Objective things are mind-independent, while subjective things are mind-dependent in the realm of ontology. 

 

•    To put it another way, objective phenomena exist outside of, or independently of, the human mind. This includes objects such as rocks, trees, and physical bodies. 

 

•    Subjective things, on the other hand, only exist in the mind of the individual. This includes things like thoughts, feelings, perceptions, motivations, desires, fears, and dreams.

 

•    A statement is objectively true in the realm of epistemology if it is true for all rational observers, that is, if all rational people, given the same evidence, could come to the same conclusion. If even rational observers confronted with the same evidence are unable to reach the same conclusion, the statement is subjectivity true.

 

•    A rose, for example, is objectively real – that is, ontologically objective – because it is a physical object that exists apart from the human mind. A statement like "this rose has seven thorns on its stem" is epistemologically objective because all rational observers can verify and agree on it. The statement "this rose is beautiful" is subjective, however, because beauty is something that rational observers can legitimately disagree on.

•    Having due regard for the known valid evidence (relevant facts, logical implications and viewpoints, and human purposes) pertaining to an issue is what it means to take an objective approach to that issue.

 

•    When considering and representing facts, objective decisions are not influenced by personal feelings or opinions. Having due regard for the known valid evidence (relevant facts, logical implications and viewpoints, and human purposes) pertaining to an issue is what it means to take an objective approach to that issue. 

 

•    An objective approach is impossible if relevant valid evidence is denied or falsified. In science and in decision-making processes that affect large groups of people, an objective approach is especially important (e.g. politics, bureaucracy).

 

•    Ignoring relevant evidence or alternative interpretations when making decisions that affect a large number of people (such as in politics or administration) can lead to policies that, while well-intentioned, have the opposite effect of what was intended. 

 

•    Taking an "objective approach" isn't always appropriate, especially when it's impossible to be objective either because the necessary facts and viewpoints aren't available, or because the subjective opinion or response is the most important factor. 

 

•    An objective approach is sometimes impossible because people are naturally partisan and self-interested. That is, they will cherry-pick the facts and viewpoints that support their own. 

•    A scientist or politician may never be "neutral" (they may have a vested interest in certain theories or policies), but they can take an objective approach by remaining open to new evidence and alternative viewpoints.

 

•    An objective approach contrasts with authority arguments, in which it is claimed that X is true because authority Y says so. The assumption is that Y is a competent authority who can approach the situation objectively.

 

•    As humans, we have a limit to our objectivity, but with practise and solid strategies, we can make the most objective decisions possible.