We explain what subjectivity is and how it differs from objectivity. In addition, we offer you examples of expression of subjectivity.
What is subjectivity?
Subjectivity is, broadly speaking, the set of perceptions, evaluations and conceptualizations that are typical of an individual and their way of beingor what is the same, they are subjective. It differs from objectivity, which refers to the perspectives common to different individuals regardless of their way of being and thinking, that is, they are objective.
It is easy to understand subjectivity if it is associated with everything that makes someone a subject: your way of seeing the world, of thinking, of feeling. In consequencethings considered subjective can be different for everyone: a subjective criterion varies according to the individual's way of being, while an objective criterion depends on the reality external to the subject, that is, on the object in question and its nature.
The term “subjectivity” derives from “subjective” and this in turn from “subject”. The three terms share their historical origin in the Latin voice subjectus (“subject”) used to refer to something that is tied, detained or linked to something, that is, that is a victim of subjection. Figuratively, it also served to refer to a person whose name is not mentioned in the sentence, since their identity is, precisely, subject to the predicate, that is, to what was said. Hence we can define subjectivity as that related to the subjectin opposition to the outside world.
In the Western philosophical tradition, the opposition between subjectivity and objectivity is fundamental and comes from classical antiquity. Aristotle (384-322 BC) is credited with the invention of the subjective as a category: he named it hypokeimenon“the underlying” or “the substrate”, that is, the essential, a term that was translated into Latin as subiectum (“subject”).
However, the concepts of “objective” and “subjective” have always been problematic for philosophers, which is why they have been under continuous review and discussion throughout history. In fact, starting from modern thought and especially the work of René Descartes (1596-1650), awareness of one's own subjectivity became central in a vision of the world that distinguishes between external reality and one's own thoughts, since Of the latter it is the only thing that human beings can be completely certain of. Hence Descartes formulated his famous cogito ergo sum (“I think, therefore I exist”).
On the other hand, The difference between the subjective and the objective was of particular importance for the emergence and improvement of science and the scientific method, since the latter aspire to know objective reality, putting aside the issues of subjectivity. Consequently, a scientific experiment can be replicated by different scientists, from different cultures and at different times, and will always yield the same objective result.
Instead, Subjectivity has been defined as the territory par excellence of culture: of artistic, social and aesthetic explorations..
Subjectivity and objectivity
The concepts of subjectivity and objectivity cannot be understood without each other.. If subjectivity is what belongs to the subject, that is, to the person who looks, for example, at a stone, the objective is that which belongs to the objectthat is, of the stone itself and its nature.
Therefore, the exact dimensions of the stone, its weight and the mineral elements that constitute it are part of its objective data, which will always be the same regardless of who makes the measurements; while whether the stone is ugly or beautiful are subjective criteria that depend on each person's point of view.
The differences between objectivity and subjectivity can be stated as follows:
| The objective reality | The subjective reality |
|---|---|
| It is always the same as itself, regardless of the subjects and their internal world. | It will depend entirely on the internal factors of each subject, that is, on their particular point of view. |
| It has to do with the object, that is, with external reality and with things in themselves. | It has to do with the subject, that is, with the inner core of each individual, their thoughts, their emotions and their perspective. |
| It is stable, reliable and concrete, since two people can know an object in the same way. | It is changing, diverse and complex, since people have an inner world with enormous similarities and differences. |
| It is made up of observable and verifiable facts. | It is made up of debatable and justifiable arguments and interpretations. |
Examples of subjectivity
Some examples of expression of subjectivity are the following:
- The appreciation of a work of artin whose forms the artist wanted to capture certain contents and emotions, and which however may not be exactly the same as those interpreted by the viewer in the museum.
- The fun of a jokesince it may or may not invite laughter to different people, this depends on each person's way of thinking and understanding what is funny and what is not.
- The erotic or sexual preferences of each personwhich obey the personal history of each individual.
- The emotions a movie awakenswhich can be very moving for some and boring for others, since each person interprets the events of the plot in light of their personal history and values.
- Belief in God and the supernaturalsince it depends largely on cultural factors, upbringing and family tradition, and a complex set of values and reflections that take place only internally.
Continue with: Intuition
References
- “Subjectivity” on Wikipedia.
- “Objectivity” in Wikipedia.
- “Subjective, va” in the Language Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Radication of the word Subjectivity” in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
- “Subjectivity under debate” by Alejandra Aquino Moreschi in Sociologic magazine Sept-Dec 2013 (Mexico).
- “Subjectivity and objectivity” in the Ibero-American Dictionary of Philosophy of Education of the Economic Culture Fund (Mexico).
