Terminology Tuesday: Objectivity

The quality of a fair-minded inquirer concerned about the truth. The nature of this quality is, however, controversial. One ideal of objectivity is that of the completely neutral, detached, emotionless, presupposition less thinker, who occupies what Thomas Nagel has called “the view from nowhere” or sees the world as Baruch Spinoza described it, from a godlike viewpoint, “under the aspect of eternity”. Objectivity in this sense is widely attacked by postmodern thinkers as an impossible and even undesirable idea. However, objectivity in this sense should be distinguished from the honesty of the person who really cares about the truth and is willing to respect contrary evidence. This kind of objectivity seems compatible with recognizing our human finitude and the ways in which our passions and assumptions can function as aids in the search for truth, rather than simply being distorting filters.

Evans, C. S. (2002). Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.