Objectivity vs. Subjectivity

Paper Summary:

The author of this paper argues that we create paradigms to understand our world. Such paradigms have popularly manifested themselves in the form of science and religion. Although objectivity is usually associated with the scientific paradigm, the paper argues that scientific paradigms use symbols such as equations to express their theories and seek validation through the approval of other scholars, which are subjective practices. The author uses the shifting paradigms in the field of psychology over time to demonstrate subjectivity in a scientific field. Similarly, religion uses a consensus of shared mystical experiences and strong exemplars of faith to explain the world. Ultimately, the paper argues that, while our world is subjective, we desperately seek objectivity.

From the Paper:

"In our cultures, we see the tension between objective and subjective reality recreated in our own worldview paradigms: science and religion. Traditionally, those who crave objectivity have gravitated toward scientific explanations for the world and its inhabitants (such as evolution), while those who are more embracing of a subjective reality are associated with the religious paradigm. However, as Mundy's reading Comparison and contrast of scientific and religious paradigms and their use illustrates, the two disciplines may be more alike than they care to admit, treading an uneasy line between the world of the objective and the world of the subjective."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Optical illusions. Optical Illusions Home Page [Internet]. [cited Mar 9]. Available from: http://www.optillusions.com/
• Chen C. Visualizing scientific paradigms: an introduction. Journal of the American Society for Information and Technology 54(5): 392-393. [Internet]. 2003 [cited Mar 9]. Available from: http://www.pages.drexel.edu/%7Ecc345/papers/jasist2003intro.pdf
• Mundy B. Comparison and contrast of scientific and religious paradigms. Institute for Christian Teaching [Internet]. 1989 [cited 2006 Mar 9]. Available from: vol_03/03cc_001-020.htm
• Cline A. Astrology vs. astronomy. About.com [Internet]. 2005 [cited Mar 9]. Available from: http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/skepticism/blfaq_astro_sci_astronomy.htm
• Kazlev MA. The paradigm. Paradigm Home Page [Internet]. 1998 [cited Mar 9]. Available from:http://www.kheper.net/topics/paradigms/index.htm

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