User:Salman Kulbari (sheb shankar)

ubjective Truth vs Objective Truth Hangar Production & PhotographyDecember 31, 2018UncategorizedEdit "Subjective Truth vs Objective Truth" Post navigation Previous Next [Subjective Truth vs Objective Truth]

For those who are interested, I am putting together a primer on the difference between subjectivity and objectivity. Much of the disagreement in this forum is due to confusion between the two. We’ll start with a comparison of the definition of the terms.

Subjectivity

Subjectivity is a personal process, and as such, subjective truth is also personal. There is no method, mechanism, or process, by which one can project their own subjective knowledge onto another person. Let’s demonstrate this with two examples.

These two can discuss their feelings, experiences, and knowledge with each other, and perhaps both of them will gain a greater understanding of the others’ point of view. Perhaps one of them will change their point of view. The point is, discussion between differing models of subjective knowledge is ok. It works, and it doesn’t have to hurt anyone’s feelings.

I’m not trying to make a statement here about Diety vs. Non-Diety beliefs, it can go either way. The point is that when you depart from the nature of subjective information, there is nothing to be gained(except the possibility of an artificially inflated ego due to putting someone else down).

Objectivity

Objectivity is a process that allows people to work together and share knowledge, as long as the process is followed. The best objective method of discovering truth is the scientific method.

Following this method, information can be discovered, shared, and experienced by anyone. Objective information is difficult to argue over.

Problems

The problem comes when people start to mix objective information and subjective information. Let’s look at an example.

When something can’t be considered objectively(i.e. can’t be measured, detected, or manipulated), it falls in the realm of subjectivity. Trying to argue one against the other can’t work. You can’t change fact based on the way you feel, and you can’t change the way you feel based off of facts that can’t be measured or detected.

What’s the point?

I think we would all be better off if we stuck to mature discussion, whether subjective or objective, without trying to irrationally try and mix the two, or put others down.