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Theory of Knowledge - Unit 1 - Subjectivity and Objectivity DR

1) Consciousness involves subjective experience which science struggles to account for as it aims for objectivity. 2) The hard problem is explaining how physical processes in the brain give rise to subjective experience - the feeling of what it's like. 3) Science can study consciousness objectively but not experience it subjectively as the subject does. The experience of red versus explaining how the brain perceives red. 3) The easy problems are functions like perception, cognition, and behavior which science makes progress on. The hard problem is experience itself which remains unsolved. Chalmers believes

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222 views26 pages

Theory of Knowledge - Unit 1 - Subjectivity and Objectivity DR

1) Consciousness involves subjective experience which science struggles to account for as it aims for objectivity. 2) The hard problem is explaining how physical processes in the brain give rise to subjective experience - the feeling of what it's like. 3) Science can study consciousness objectively but not experience it subjectively as the subject does. The experience of red versus explaining how the brain perceives red. 3) The easy problems are functions like perception, cognition, and behavior which science makes progress on. The hard problem is experience itself which remains unsolved. Chalmers believes

Uploaded by

Alon Amit
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Theory of Knowledge - Unit 1 - Class 4

Objectivity and Subjectivity


What we will cover in today’s lesson

Class overview:

Today we will discuss the differences between the concepts of objectivity and
subjectivity and come to a deeper understanding about both concepts.
Ultimately, the takeaway will be to (eventually) identify these features in
knowledge claims.

Learning Goals:

By the end of this lesson, you should be comfortable with the following terminology: objectivity,
subjectivity, consciousness, qualia, scientific method.

2
What we will cover in today’s lesson

Overview:

1. Subjectivity - definitions and examples


2. Objectivity - definitions and examples
3. David Chalmers Activity

3
Today’s Knowledge Questions

Knowledge questions based on the knowledge framework for the core theme: Knowledge and
the Knower:

Scope:
How do we distinguish claims that are contestable from claims that are not?

Perspective:

Methods and Tools:


What constitutes a “good reason” for us to accept a claim?
Does knowledge always require some kind of rational basis?
How do our expectations and assumptions have an impact on how we perceive things?

Ethics:
1
Subjectivity

5
“
What is subjectivity? Explain and offer examples of
knowledge that might be considered subjectivity.

7
1. Subjectivity

Subjectivity is the quality of being influenced by the subject - us


(knower). A claim, belief, experience, or statement about something
is subjective if it is conditioned by…

Personal feelings (My toe hurts)


Personal experiences (I’ve been to Japan)
Opinions (I love the _________ political party)
Tastes (Cherries are the most delicious thing in the world to me)
Memories (I’ve never eaten potatoes)
1. Subjectivity

Subjective claims and beliefs are often


about objective reality, but add a ‘personal
twist’ on it. It’s kind of like viewing the world
through an instagram filter.

Subjective claims and statements are not


inherently problematic - they are just claims
made about our experience of the world.
They only become problematic when they
we go further and assert that our subjective
experience is the only experience. What is your subjective experience of these two
images? Notice that there is no problem (in
terms of knowledge) expressing what you see.
“
Go to page 18 in your textbook. Look at
the picture and read page 19. Discuss
1.6 in your groups.
1. Subjectivity - John Locke’s Example

The simplest sort of discrepancy


between subjective judgment and
objective reality is well illustrated by
John Locke’s example of holding one
hand in ice water and the other hand in
hot water for a few moments.
When one places both hands into a
bucket of tepid water, one experiences
competing subjective experiences of
one and the same objective reality. One
hand feels it as cold, the other feels it as
hot.
“
Table Activity

12
Q: How do you know that your red is the same as my
red (that what you see as red is the same as what I see
as red)? (0-2:10)
Does subjective
knowledge exist?
“
To what extent is it possible to have objective knowledge of our own
subjective states (desires, feelings, beliefs, etc.)? Or can we also be mistaken
about these things?
Homework question 8: Complete real-life situation 1.14 on pg 19

15
1. Subjectivity Takeaway

- Subjectivity relates to our personal


views and beliefs of the world
- Subjectivity is intimate, and we
often feel we ‘know’ our subjective
states’ more so than thing in the
external world
- Subjectivity is not inherently
problematic
- Subjectivity becomes problematic
when we make claims about the
objective world based on our
subjective states (bias)
2
Objectivity

17
“
Homework question 2: What is objectivity? Explain and
offer examples of knowledge that might be considered
objective.

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2. Objectivity
The term ‘objective’ is derived from language we use
to classify reality.

When we think about the world, we think about the


objects that occupy it. These objects are
independent of us, and to an extent, their existence
does not depend on us. We can call this ‘objective
reality’ - the idea that there is a world that exists
independent of our beliefs, desire, and well,
independent of us.

So, when we use the term ‘objectivity’ and Our subjective views are like instagram filters, and can
‘objective’ what we mean is claims and views that skew or distort what is ‘really’ out there.
are independent from our feelings, beliefs, and
desires. Things that are ‘true’ whether we like it or
not.
2. OBjectivity

In knowledge communities, we often aim towards


objectivity. This means that we try to avoid bias. This
might look different, however, in different AOKs and
different knowledge communities - some might invite
certain biases while others strive to omit all bias.

Different knowledge communities also strive towards


different types of objective thinking:

1) The scientific method focuses on perceptual


and rational kinds of objectivity
2) Law and discipline focuses on legal objectivity
3) The arts focus on diversity and feminist
objectivity
2. Objectivity

Note: Objectivity is strived for and


towards - not necessarily achieved.
Think of it as a goal, not a factor in
whether or not something
constitutes knowledge

Of course, it depends on the context.


“
Homework question 5: How, do you think, objectivity and subjectivity differ
amongst different AOKs (e.g., the sciences, math, the arts, history, etc.). Do you
agree with the common belief that the sciences are ‘more objective’ than the
arts? Can history be ‘objective’?

22
“
Homework question 4: Do you believe that an objective reality exists, independent of
knowers (us)? If so, to what extent is it possible to know things about that reality, and
to be accurate about our judgements and assertions about that reality?

23
1. Objectivity Takeaway

- Objectivity relates to statements


and claims that are not tainted (as
much as possible) by our personal
beliefs
- Objectivity is closely related with
truth
- There are many different types of
objectivity
- Objectivity is often strived towards,
though not always achieved
Watch David Chalmers Talk about the ‘hard’
problem of consciousness
Watch David Chalmers Talk about the ‘hard’
problem of consciousness

1. What does Chalmers mean when he says that consciousness is subjective and science
is objective?
2. What, according to Chalmers, is so tough about understanding consciousness?
3. What, in TOK terms, is the difference between the studying consciousness (through
science) and experience consciousness?
4. What are the hard problems of consciousness and the easy ones?
5. What are the different explanations of the ‘hard’ problem of consciousness that
Chalmers offers? Which do you think is the best one? Why?

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