Is Everything Objective Made by Subjectivity?

When we delve into the profundities of reality, we are bound to question whether everything around us is truly objective or if it is shaped by subjective human perception. This article explores the intricate relationship between objectivity and subjectivity, challenging our understanding of what is real and how we perceive the world.

Introduction to Objectivity and Subjectivity

The concept of objectivity often evokes images of an unbiased, factual reality that exists independently of human thoughts and perceptions. Conversely, subjectivity emphasizes the influence of personal thoughts, emotions, and perspectives on our understanding of the world. While some argue that all phenomena are inherently subjective, others insist on the existence of a universal, objective reality.

The Role of Humanity and Subjectivity

Humanity, as a collective entity, plays a significant role in shaping our perception of the world. Every individual is a unique subject with personal observations, sensations, and cognitive processes that define their worldview. These subjective experiences are intertwined with our conscious awareness, sensory inputs, and logical reasoning, ultimately fabricating a human world or worlds as we understand them.

From a personal to a cognitive perspective, subjectivity encompasses a range of internal and external factors, including intellectual, emotional, and perceptual biases. Our language, sensory organs, and cognitive limitations contribute to the limitations in our understanding of the objective world. As a result, claiming an absolute form of objectivity becomes challenging due to these inherent limitations.

The Cognition of Subjectivity

Subjectivity arises from a personal attitude that is both intellectually and emotionally driven. Individuals may struggle to seek, discover, or recognize objective truth when confronted with events, situations, circumstances, or evidence. This cognitive inability can perpetuate a perpetual state of subjectivity, causing a personalized, individualized response to the unknown.

The cognitive inability to discover or recognize objective truth often stems from a lack of logical reasoning and a preference for emotionally appealing personal truths over factual evidence. Matters of fact may be allusive to our cognitive vision, while personal truth may cater more to the ego. This inherent bias in human cognition highlights the universal question: "What caused Existence?" The answer remains subjective because there is no universal, objective knowledge about the origin of existence.

Proof by Negation

To further explore the dichotomy between objectivity and subjectivity, we can consider a thought experiment known as "proof by negation." Suppose someone argues that "nothing is objective." This stance implies that:

The person believes the statement is universally true. Their belief is based on an objective reality that others can perceive and acknowledge. There is a moral responsibility to adhere to truth and avoid falsehood.

These premises establish that there is an objective reality, truth that is universally the same for all people, and a moral responsibility to adhere to it. Even someone who argues that "all is relative" is implicitly accepting these three points as truth. This establishes that the very act of arguing about relativity assumes the existence of a universal truth that can be recognized and adhered to.

Conclusion

The relationship between objectivity and subjectivity is complex and multifaceted. While objectivity may exist as a universal, factual reality, human perception inherently incorporates subjective elements that shape our understanding of the world. By examining historical, philosophical, and scientific perspectives, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate interplay between these two concepts.