Objectivity is a Myth

Intentional decisions are not always objective

Your reaction to this statement is a likely indication of the bias that you have about objectivity. Let me reframe it. If you have an opinion about this statement, it is likely because of your previous experiences, learnings etc. It’s these frames of reference that influence our thinking and our decision making. If this is the case, can any decision-making be truly unbiased. Is true objectivity possible?

There are numerous studies on this topic. I am by no means professing to be a scientific expert. But the more I dig into it, the more my opinion gets swayed to the conclusion that objectivity is a myth.

I am no longer objective on the subject of objectivity.

Is this making your head spin? Let’s try and simplify the complex….

Objectivity is defined as a lack of influence by emotion or personal bias.

Many scientists believe that subjectivity has no influence on their field of study as science is based solely on facts. Yet, how does one view those facts and take it into perspective? It is a completely subjective process, backed up by the findings through quantum mechanics. Researchers in quantum mechanics explain that reality varies based on the observer's perspective, illustrating the idea that nothing is truly objective.

When scientists conduct research, they perform rigorous experiments, test various factors, and repeat the experiments several times. Despite these precautions, subjectivity still has a role in scientific processes. Choosing what to research, what important factors to test in an experiment, and how to interpret an experiment is a completely biased process that varies from scientist to scientist, thus succumbing to the reality that objectivity can never be fully achieved.

However, much of society fails to take this idea into account and ignores the possibility of subjectivity for the sake of maintaining personal peace of mind and bias. We seem to find it easier to cope with – on the surface at least.

In neglecting the truth that objectivity is impossible, society creates a toxic atmosphere for people. For example, humans must consume fruits and vegetables, as they provide the healthy vitamins and nutrients needed to survive. Yet, there are still sources that negate this known fact. This enforces a false belief system, leading to the spreading of misinformation amongst society and enforces an incorrect thought process. This would imply that nothing in society can be objective because it is all based on what an individual believes and what information they choose to deem correct.

It has an impact on our decision-making. Let’s look at an example.

It’s time to finalise your career decision. “Where should I go? University or TAFE? Or should I do a trade apprenticeship?

The best way to make the decision seems to be by researching important factors that influence the decision including location, majors, finance, or life after graduation. You list out each factor and make a comparison, thinking that the decision is solely based on the facts that you list out rather than being influenced by emotion. You look at the list of pros and cons and wonder why the “correct” decision does not jump out at you, that the best path is not obvious.

In reality, the entire process is based on your opinions. Of the benefits of the location, the importance of money or what you want your life to look like following graduation. The opinions of others have an impact too.

What makes each individual unique is their perspective on various aspects of society from general ideas such as politics to smaller-scaled ideas such as music and art. Yet, society places such a strong difference between the idea of objectivity and subjectivity, calling out the idea that these dictate the rightfulness of one’s individual actions. This in turn imposes intense pressure to make the “right” decision. We become paralysed by the possibility of making the “wrong” decision.

I sense that this head-spinning is one of the reasons that many of us struggle with decision-making. We can’t make a decision and blame it on a desire for perfection when it’s actually because we don’t have what we’d deem to be all the facts to make an objective decision. Perhaps we blame procrastination when it’s more about being reticent to make a decision in case it’s wrong.

I’m an advocate of intentional decision-making.

Is it possible to make intentional decisions that are not necessarily objective?

I have been experimenting and have come up with a resounding YES. You may have heard someone say – it may not have been right but it’s the best decision that I could make at the time. Or, I wasn’t sure but I went with my gut. This doesn’t mean that they were flighty in their decisions, it just means that they were aware that the factors influencing the decision weren’t all black and white. They took what they knew, assumed what they didn’t and took a risk with the rest.

This approach does require being prepared to course correct. As more information becomes available that requires a variation to the path or a new path altogether, we need to be comfortable to let go. It means that we have to hold each choice loosely. It doesn’t imply that we made a mistake, it merely means that had we known what we know now, we may have made a different decision.

I am by no means saying that we should rush into decisions. You may have heard the term “bull in a china shop” - used to describe a person who breaks things or who often makes mistakes or causes damage in situations that require careful thinking or behaviour. People like this are rash and I would certainly not call their decisions intentional.

What does all of this mean…

….for society……

Overall, it seems clear that nothing in the world has total objectivity, that having absolute objectivity is simply impossible to attain due to the complexity and influence of diverse societal perspectives. Instead of trying to force society to believe in something false, it is important to embrace the reality: subjectivity is a beneficial part of society

By embracing subjectivity rather than faking or forcing objectivity, society can strive to develop and embrace the diverse perspectives of each unique individual.

Accepting subjectivity can open the door to a more diverse and inclusive world where people can have more nuanced perspectives. It values critical opinions and does not negate the multifaceted and complex honesty of society, something that is so undermined.

….for individuals

Sometimes we need to be prepared to step out and make choices when we do not have all the facts. It’s better to move forward than to be paralysed. Make the decision and make it work. Be prepared to change course as new information comes to light. And enjoy the journey!