Is objectivity all in the mind?
What is objectivity? Objectivity is often regarded as the cornerstone of rational thought and ethical deliberation. It is commonly defined as the ability to perceive or present facts without bias or emotion. Although objectivity is typically perceived as “external” and constant, a critical question arises: Is objectivity truly independent of the mind, or is it a cultural and cognitive construct? This suggests that objectivity may, in fact, be shaped by our surroundings and mental frameworks. It remains uncertain whether objectivity is a tangible reality or merely an illusion constructed by the mind—one that ironically generates the very biases it seeks to eliminate. While our social and cognitive structures are deeply influenced by prevailing notions of objectivity, the concept still holds value as a practical tool and collective ideal, even if absolute neutrality is ultimately unattainable. Is Reality Independent of the Mind? — The Philosophical Perspective The long-debated relationsh...