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Science, Objectivity and Subjectivity - Coggle Diagram
Science, Objectivity and Subjectivity
Objectivity
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implies a lack of bias, judgement, or prejudice on the part of the researcher
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To work towards the ideal of objectivity, science relies on accurate observation, generation of hypothesis, measurement and experimentation
these form the basis of the scientific method, the accepted systematic way of carrying out scientific research
logic and reasoning have an important role in scientific inquiry, but science goes beyond accepting explanations because they seem reasonable
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claims, methods and results of science should not be influenced by one's perspectives, value commitments, community bias or personal interests (however, this is sometimes easier said than done)
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each person's morals and values, preferred theories, political views etc can potentially influence the type of research undertaken, the methods used and the interpretation of the results of the research
up to some decades ago, it was largely accepted that relying on empirical evidence was some sort of guarantee that the conclusions of science would be reliable and objective.
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most research is carried out within a paradigm that defines and conditions the scientific discipline at a given time
if the existing paradigm is flawed, what may have been viewed as objective conclusions of research may require reassessment in the light of any eventual future paradigm shift
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"There is no absolute knowledge...All information is imperfect. We have to treat it with humility." - J. Bronowski
conclusion
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the scientific method itself, and the self correcting mechanism of science represents ways to work totwards this ideal