We often hear the expressions "objective opinion", "subjective opinion", "objective reasons" and similar phrases. What do these concepts mean? In this article, we will take a closer look at each of them and try to explain their meaning.
What does objective and subjective mean
Before giving an explanation of objectivity and subjectivity, let's first consider such concepts as "object" and "subject".
An object is something that exists independently of us, from our consciousness. This is the external world, the material reality surrounding us. And one more interpretation looks like this: an object is an object or phenomenon to which any activity (for example, research) is directed.
A subject is a person (or a group of people) who has consciousness and is active in knowing something. Under the subject can be represented as an individual, and the whole society and even all of humanity.
Consequently, the adjective "subjective" is related in meaning to the noun "subject". And when they say that a person is subjective, it means that he is deprived of impartiality,biased towards something.
Objective is the opposite, impartial and unbiased.
The difference between subjective and objective
If someone is subjective, this, in a sense, makes him the opposite of an objective person. If subjectivity is characterized by dependence on the opinions and ideas about something of a certain subject (on his interests, understanding of the world around him, views and preferences), then objectivity is the independence of images and judgments from the personal ideas of the subject.
Objectivity is the ability to represent an object as it exists. When it comes to such an opinion, it means that it is made without taking into account one's personal, subjective perception of the object. An objective opinion, unlike a subjective one, is considered more correct and accurate, since personal emotions and views that can distort the picture are excluded. After all, the subjective reasons that forced the formation of a personal opinion are based on the private experience of an individual, and may not always serve as a starting point for another subject.
Levels of subjectivity
Subjectivity is divided into several levels:
- Dependence on individual, personal perceptions. In this case, a person is guided purely by his passions. Depending on his personal experience, his own ideas about life, individual character traits, especially the perception of the world around him, an individual forms a subjective idea of a particular event, phenomenon or otherpeople.
- Dependence on the preferences of a group of subjects. For example, in certain communities, some kind of prejudice periodically arises. Members of this community, as well as some outsiders, become addicted to the shared passions of that community.
- Dependence on the beliefs of society as a whole. Society can also have a subjective opinion on things. Over time, these views may be refuted by science. However, until then, the dependence on these beliefs is very high. It takes root in the mind, and few individuals think otherwise.
Relationship between objective and subjective
Despite the fact that if someone is subjective - this, in fact, means that he opposes himself to an objective person, these concepts are very closely related to each other. For example, science, which tries to be as objective as possible, is based initially on subjective belief. Knowledge is obtained thanks to the intellectual level of the subject, which makes assumptions. Those, in turn, are confirmed or refuted in the future.
Absolute objectivity is hard to achieve. What seemed unshakable and objective at one time, later turned out to be purely subjective opinion. For example, earlier people were sure that the Earth is flat, and this belief was considered absolutely objective. However, as it turned out later, the Earth is actually round. With the development of cosmonautics and the first flight into space, people introduced themselvesthe opportunity to see this with your own eyes.
Conclusion
Each person is essentially subjective. This means that in his beliefs he is guided by personal preferences, tastes, views and interests. At the same time, the objective reality can be perceived differently by different subjects. This, of course, is not related to scientifically proven facts. That is, in our time in developed countries, none of the people continue to believe, for example, that the Earth stands on four elephants.
At the same time, an optimist and a pessimist can perceive the same event diametrically opposite. This suggests that objectivity and subjectivity are concepts that are sometimes difficult to distinguish. What is objective at the moment for a certain subject or society as a whole may completely lose its objectivity tomorrow, and vice versa, what is now subjective for a certain individual or group of people will tomorrow be proven by science and become an objective reality for everyone.
