Objectivity: A Very Short Introduction

by Stephen Gaukroger

Overview

Is objectivity possible? Can there be objectivity in matters of morals? What would a truly objective account of the world be like? Is everything subjective, or relative? Are moral judgments objective or culturally relative? 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. In addition to considering the core philosophical issues, Stephen Gaukroger also deals with the way in which particular understandings of objectivity impinge on social research, science, and art, and he concludes by considering the question, "Are we obliged to be objective?"

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191642098
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	05/24/2012
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Stephen 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).

Table of Contents

• 1: 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 reading