Objective vs Subjective
The two words objective and subjective have to be viewed as contrary points of view between which certain differences can be identified. First let us comprehend the meaning of each word. Objective is when an individual is not influenced by personal views. When the expressions of an individual are unbiased, he is objective. Mostly in scientific inquiries, researchers tend to approach matters in an objective way so that their personal opinions do not influence their findings. Subjective, on the other hand, is when an individual is biased or influenced by personal opinions. For instance, we can look at situations subjectively. Here prominence is not given to the facts but our interpretations and personal opinions. This is the main difference between the two words. Through this article, let us identify differences that exist between these two words.
What is Objective?
As mentioned above the word objective can be defined as not being influenced by personal feelings or opinions. It is an unbiased point of view towards matters. Scientific facts and mathematical proofs are objective in nature. An objective stance is always verifiable. This is because it can be verified by carrying out mathematical calculations.
When you are making any balanced decision, then you are objective in purpose. This allows you to objectively weigh each option before arriving at a decision. Also, you tend to be objective when you are engaged in discussions with people, and you are trying to keep your concentration focused on the central theme of the discussion. During such moments, you would normally make statements that are unbiased in nature.
Another instance where we adopt an objective stance is when discussing some object or idea that is concrete and tangible. However, it is quite important to note that the facts that make up the objective should also be solid and concrete.
What is Subjective?
The word subjective can be defined as based on our personal opinion. Subjective is certainly characterized by the previous experience of the speaker. It is important to note that subjective is not subjected to verification unlike in the case of objective. This is simply because subjective reflects the standpoint by means of speakers’ views only.
When nothing concrete is at stake, you tend to be subjective in purpose. For example, you tend to be subjective when you are watching a stunt movie especially with the character you like the most in the movie. Being subjective, in fact, makes your experience even more enjoyable.
You can be subjective when you are discussing an idea of subject matter that is not concrete and lacks tangibility. As a matter of fact, whatever is subjective is already in the domain of your experience and is a kind of past reminiscences. It is thus important to know that subjective findings are ephemeral in nature. Opinions, versions, interpretations are all subjective in nature. This highlights that there exists a clear difference between objective and subjective. This can be summarized as follows.
What is the Difference Between Objective and Subjective?
Definitions of Objective and Subjective:
- Objective can be defined as not being influenced by personal feelings or opinions.
- Subjective can be defined as based on personal opinion.
Characteristics of Objective and Subjective:
- A statement that is completely unbiased is objective whereas a statement that is characterized by the thoughts and the views of the speaker is subjective.
- Objective is not characterized by any previous experience of the speaker whereas subjective is certainly characterized by the previous experiences of the speaker.
- Objective is verifiable with the assistance of mathematical calculations whereas subjective is not subjected to verification.
- When making any balanced decision the individual is objective in purpose. On the other hand, when nothing concrete is at stake, the individual tends to be subjective in purpose.
- Whatever is subjective is already in the domain of one’s experience and is a kind of past reminiscences but this does not apply to objectivity.
Image Courtesy:
1. Optical_Microscope_Objective_Lens By Kiran Foster [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. US Navy 111102-N-QL471-757 Sailors watch a movie during movie night in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W.Bush By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Billy Ho [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
