Objective vs Subjective Knowledge: Understanding the Distinction in Philosophy and Science
The distinction between objective and subjective knowledge is fundamental in philosophy, science, and everyday understanding. This distinction helps us navigate the realms of reality and personal perception, ensuring accurate conclusions and meaningful arguments.
Objective Knowledge
Definition: Knowledge that is based on observable phenomena and can be verified independently of personal feelings or opinions.
Characteristics:
Universal: Generally accepted by all rational observers. Fact-based: Derived from empirical evidence, experiments, or logical reasoning. Stable: Remains consistent regardless of individual perspectives.Examples:
Scientific facts: e.g., water boils at 100°C at sea level. Historical events: e.g., the signing of the Declaration of Independence.Subjective Knowledge
Definition: Knowledge that is influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, experiences, and opinions.
Characteristics:
Individual: Varies from person to person based on their experiences and emotions. Contextual: Dependent on cultural, social, and personal contexts. Fluid: Can change over time as perspectives and experiences evolve.Examples:
Personal beliefs: e.g., opinions on art or music. Emotional experiences: e.g., feelings about a particular event.Summary
In essence, objective knowledge seeks to describe reality as it is, while subjective knowledge reflects individual perceptions and interpretations of that reality. Understanding this difference is crucial in fields such as science, ethics, and philosophy, where the nature of knowledge impacts conclusions and arguments.
The Evolution of Scientific Inquiry
For the last three hundred years, the world has been dominated by one type of science - objective science. This means the study of objects outside of the individual, hence termed 'objective' - from the object. Objective science is great because experiments or observations can prove things and can be repeated so that others can verify the findings. Fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics have achieved remarkable progress through this approach.
Before this period, for a long time, science was a mixture of superstition, local traditions, and fear-induced beliefs. However, thousands of years ago, mainly in Asian countries, a different kind of science emerged - subjective science. This is the scientific study of the 'subject' - yourself. In modern times, subjectivity is often seen as something negative, especially compared to the evidence and proof of objective science.
But how can you study subjectivity in an objective way? How can the part study the whole? A man cannot dissect himself, and if he did, he wouldn’t be alive to report the findings. Even if he were to attempt it, what he is searching for, such as the mind or the heart center, does not have a physical existence.
Experiencing Subjectivity
The first thing to remember when undertaking a subjective experiment is to question whether it is your imagination that has made up the solution or whether it is indeed a subjective truth - a truth about your own past. This is remarkably difficult to explain but not so difficult to experience. And of course, the experience can only be in the individual concerned. The experience cannot be shared because it is subjective. That’s why some of the old saints have said that they can indicate the path but you have to walk on it yourself.
Subjectivity is something that can only be experienced first hand. It is a personal and fluid journey, reflecting the unique perceptions and interpretations of the individual. While objective knowledge provides us with a framework for understanding the world as it is, subjective knowledge offers a deeper, more personal understanding of the world as we perceive it.