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Overview- Is objectivity possible? - Can there be objectivity in matters of morals, or tastes? - What would a truly objective account of the world be like? - Is everything subjective, or relative? - Are moral judgments objective or culturally relative? Objectivity is both an essential and elusive philosophical concept. An account is generally considered to be objective if it attempts to capture the nature of the object studied without judgement of a conscious entity or subject. Objectivity stands in contrast to subjectivity: an objective account is impartial, one which could ideally be accepted by any subject, because it does not draw on any assumptions, prejudices, or values of particular subjects. Stephen Gaukroger shows that it is far from clear that we can resolve moral or aesthetic disputes in this way and it has often been argued that such an approach is not always appropriate for disciplines that deal with human, rather than natural, phenomena. Moreover, even in those cases where we seek to be objective, it may be difficult to judge what a truly objective account would look like, and whether it is achievable. This Very Short Introduction demonstrates that there are a number of common misunderstandings about what objectivity is, and explores the theoretical and practical problems of objectivity by assessing the basic questions raised by it. As well as considering the core philosophical issues, Gaukroger also deals with the way in which particular understandings of objectivity impinge on social research, science, and art. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Stephen Gaukroger (ARC Professorial Fellow, University of Sydney, Australia and Professor of Philosophy, University of Aberdeen)Publisher: Oxford University Press Imprint: Oxford University Press Dimensions: Width: 11.30cm , Height: 0.70cm , Length: 17.30cm Weight: 0.102kg ISBN: 9780199606696ISBN 10: 0199606692 Pages: 128 Publication Date: 24 May 2012 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: To order  Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us. Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: Aren't all judgements biased in one way or another? 3: Don't all judgements involve some assumptions? 4: Doesn't science show there is no objectivity? 5: Is it possible to represent things objectively? 6: Is objectivity a form of honesty? 7: Objectivity in numbers? 8: Can the study of human behaviour be objective? 9: Can there be objectivity in ethics? 10: Can there be objectivity in taste? References Further readingReviewsAuthor InformationStephen Gaukroger has been Professor of History of Philosophy and History of Science in the Philosophy Department at the University of Sydney since 1981. His publications include, The Emergence of a Scientific Culture: Science and the Shaping of Modernity, 1210-1685 (OUP, 2006) and Descartes' System of Natural Philosophy (CUP, 2002). Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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