Can We Be Objective Regarding Our Own Objectiveness?

[ElCodeMonkey]

Objective:
(of a person or their judgment) not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.

I believe that I am completely objective in my reasoning of all things. That doesn't mean I'm always right, but I don't believe I'm influenced by personal feelings or opinions (at least not for long ). I am willing and able to listen to all evidence and make decisions based on facts. I presume most people feel the same way, however. Can we really know our own objectiveness? Is it really all that hard to be objective? Am I worse at it than I believe? Is there a way to test objectiveness?

[Nilloc James]

Its impossible to be completely objective - and therefore impossible to objectively assess our own objectiveness.

However, we can strive to be more objective and have developed thinking tools to do so.

[ElCodeMonkey]

Its impossible to be completely objective - and therefore impossible to objectively assess our own objectiveness.

However, we can strive to be more objective and have developed thinking tools to do so.

I think it's impossible to not have feelings and opinions, but I don't think it's impossible to set them aside for the sake of truth and decision-making. Do you have a reason to believe that your feelings and opinions necessarily affect your judgement?

[Nilloc James]

Its impossible to be completely objective - and therefore impossible to objectively assess our own objectiveness.

However, we can strive to be more objective and have developed thinking tools to do so.

I think it's impossible to not have feelings and opinions, but I don't think it's impossible to set them aside for the sake of truth and decision-making. Do you have a reason to believe that your feelings and opinions necessarily affect your judgement?

My reasoning is this:

All information is viewed in light of what we already know/believe. How we think is shaped by what we know - and this skews our judgment.

And all people fall victim to similar cognitive traps, like the fundamental attribution error. (I'm sure you can find a psych review article on this using Google)

[ElCodeMonkey]

My reasoning is this:

All information is viewed in light of what we already know/believe. How we think is shaped by what we know - and this skews our judgment.

And all people fall victim to similar cognitive traps, like the fundamental attribution error. (I'm sure you can find a psych review article on this using Google)

While I agree that in a particular moment I may give in to a fundamental attribution error like anyone else, I tend to be quite open to hearing or even coming up with the external factors after the fact. A rush of emotion may make a quick irrational decision, but I'm more interested in the long-standing decisions we make that guide our lives. I certainly believe there are many people who are not objective at all in their decision for faith or no faith. I also think some people can be objective on either side and simply lack the necessary information that might sway them otherwise. It's possible to be objective yet uninformed. So I certainly think there are objective people out there, but is it really possible to know one's own objectivity? I personally think my experience in Christianity, holding to new ideas as I learned them, leaving Christianity, regaining Christianity, then losing it yet again is proof that I'm objectively seeking answers and willing to change after reflecting on what I learn.

[Nilloc James]

I'm not treating objectivity as binary: I think we can be more or less objective but not perfectly objective.

[olavisjo]

.

I believe that I am completely objective in my reasoning of all things.

If there is no free will then objectivity is a moot point. Your own reasoning will simply reflect what the external world imposes on you. I could have said the exact opposite, but that is just not what the world has imposed on me.
So, if I am objective, then it is because the world made me that way and not because I have chosen to be objective.

If you believe that you are completely objective in your reasoning of all things. It is not because you are objective, it is because the world has made you believe that you are.

See...

http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... hp?t=23402

[McCulloch]

I'm not treating objectivity as binary: I think we can be more or less objective but not perfectly objective.

I agree. Objectivity is more of an ideal to strive for than something we necessarily can achieve perfectly.

[The Me's]

[Replying to post 1 by ElCodeMonkey]

Without a doubt, yes.

I accomplish objectivity by testing my conclusions against other sources. My act of testing is a way of seeing myself objectively.

You can also develop the skill of being objective and see yourself in that light without testing.

[ElCodeMonkey]

[Replying to post 1 by ElCodeMonkey]

Without a doubt, yes.

I accomplish objectivity by testing my conclusions against other sources. My act of testing is a way of seeing myself objectively.

You can also develop the skill of being objective and see yourself in that light without testing.

If truly you are objective, then I would expect you have no trouble assuming the possibility that the Bible is not the Word of God but rather a work of man which contain some spiritual truths mingled with lies. Without agreeing this is the case, you can agree it is possible. After objectively recognizing the possibility, the next step is to determine from an objective standpoint whether or not it is true. Most Christians simply believe it's true and thus put no effort into figuring out if indeed it is. Once effort is put into it with an honest and objective search, if one gathers the appropriate data, I believe it becomes quite clear that this is not the work of an all perfect and all loving deity. One has to accept the possibility before researching, however, or they can easily and non-objectively make everything fit. It's not hard. I can, and used to, do the same. But I desired truth over Bible-perfection and I believe I have found it.