Accounts Quote by Thomas Nagel
“The problem is one of opposition between subjective and objective points of view. There is a tendency to seek an objective account of everything before admitting its reality. But often what appears to a more subjective point of view cannot be accounted for in this way. So either the objective conception of the world is incomplete, or the subjective involves illusions that should be rejected.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The View from Nowhere, Thomas Nagel, 1986
Objective knowledge may be incomplete, while subjective experience can seem illusory, revealing limits of both perspectives.
In simple terms: Objective view is incomplete; subjective view can be illusion.
Key Takeaway
Balance objective analysis with subjective insight.
Themes
knowledge
subjectivity
objectivity
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- science
- personal experience
- ethical decision
- making
- artistic interpretation
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we truly separate subjectivity from objectivity?
- When does subjectivity become a hindrance?
A Different Perspective
Subjectivity may distort truth, and objectivity can miss nuance.
![“The world is how we see the world. Some people see the world good, the other people see the world bad. Every person has an idea of the world with a subjective [viewpoint].” quote by Alejandro Jodorowsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/12b/alejandro-jodorowsky-1890_ideas_the-world-is-how-we-see-the-world-some-p_879888.jpg)
