Objectivity (philosophy) facts for kids

Objectivity is a way of thinking that focuses on facts and things that are true for everyone. It means looking at something without letting your own feelings, ideas, or opinions get in the way. When you are objective, you try to see things exactly as they are, like a camera taking a picture.

Imagine a scientist observing an experiment. They try to be objective by only recording what they see happening, not what they hope will happen. This helps them find truths that anyone else observing the same thing would also agree on. The opposite of objectivity is subjectivity, which means looking at things based on your personal feelings or experiences.

What is Objectivity?

Objectivity is a big idea in philosophy. It suggests that there is a reality that exists outside of our minds. This reality is the same for everyone, no matter who is looking at it.

When we are objective, we try to separate our personal thoughts from what we observe. For example, if you see a blue car, it's objectively blue. Your opinion about whether blue is a nice color doesn't change the car's actual color.

Being objective helps people agree on things. It allows us to focus on facts that are true for everyone. This is very useful in many areas, like science and news reporting.

Objectivity in Science

The Scientific method tries very hard to be objective. Scientists design experiments to get results that are not influenced by their personal beliefs. They use careful measurements and observations.

For example, when measuring the temperature of water, a scientist uses a thermometer. The thermometer gives an objective reading. It doesn't matter if the scientist likes hot water or cold water. The temperature is what it is.

However, some people argue that complete objectivity is hard to achieve. Even scientists might have small biases they don't realize. This is why experiments are often repeated by different scientists.

Objectivity vs. Subjectivity

It's important to understand the difference between objectivity and subjectivity.

• Objectivity means looking at things from a neutral point of view. It's about facts that are true for everyone.
• Subjectivity means looking at things from your personal point of view. It's about your feelings, opinions, and experiences.

For example, saying "The sky is blue" is an objective statement. Most people would agree it's true. Saying "Blue is the best color" is a subjective statement. It's your personal opinion, and others might disagree.

Both objective and subjective views have their place. Objective views help us understand the world based on shared facts. Subjective views help us understand personal experiences and feelings.

Why is Objectivity Important?

Objectivity is very important in many parts of life.

• In news: News reporters try to be objective by reporting facts without taking sides. This helps people get accurate information.
• In law: Judges and juries try to be objective when looking at evidence. They aim to make fair decisions based on facts, not personal feelings.
• In problem-solving: When you face a problem, being objective helps you see all the facts clearly. This can lead to better solutions.

By trying to be objective, we can make better decisions and understand the world more clearly. It helps us avoid misunderstandings and build common ground with others.

See also

In Spanish: Objetividad para niños