Objectivity Quote by Michael F.D. Young
““At the same time, it has to be recognized that the conditions for this objectivity are not easily won. They cannot rely on the outmoded claims of positivist social science or a comfortable consensus that can hide real differences. It also has to be accepted that serious attempts to establish a social realist theory of knowledge have not progressed very far. Claims to objectivity have to be based on the intellectual grounds and the traditions and values of the discipline that go back more than a century. With regard to the””
About This Quote
Source Article: “The Social Construction of Objectivity” (journal), 2015
Highlights difficulty of achieving true objectivity in social sciences without relying on outdated positivist claims.
In simple terms: Objectivity is hard to achieve in social studies.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess foundations of knowledge claims.
Themes
objectivity
social science
tradition
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy analysis
- education curriculum design
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternative methods can ensure robust knowledge?
- How can disciplines honor tradition while innovating?
A Different Perspective
Objectivity may be unattainable due to inherent biases.
![“[Objectivity] cannot exist without mental flexibility, since none of us is objective by nature. We all have opinions, the roots of which are spread out far and often are hidden in darkness. To have an opinion is both our right and our duty. To change this opinion becomes an intellectual obligation…” quote by J. F. Blumrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a4f/j-f-blumrich-244366_nature_objectivity-cannot-exist-without-mental_2030246.jpg)
![“[In geology,] As in history, the material in hand remains silent if no questions are asked. The nature of these questions depends on the "school" to which the geologist belongs and on the objectivity of his investigations. Hans Cloos called this way of interrogation "the dialogue with the earth,"…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8a7/anonymous-1_communication_in-geology-as-in-history-the-material-in_22470.jpg)
