more on this theme     |     more from this text


Single Idea 20982

[filed under theme 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 5. Objectivity ]

Full Idea

I take reasoned scrutiny from different perspectives to be an essential part of the demands of objectivity for ethical and political convictions.

Gist of Idea

In politics and ethics, scrutiny from different perspectives is essential for objectivity

Source

Amartya Sen (The Idea of Justice [2009], 01 'Adam')

Book Ref

Sen, Amartya: 'The Idea of Justice' [Penguin 2010], p.45


A Reaction

We should distinguish the nature of objectivity from ways of achieving it. Multiple perspectives don't guarantee objectivity. This is peer review in science, and publisher's readers of philosophy texts. What is objectivity? The same as truth?

Related Ideas

Idea 20989 Views are objective if they don't rely on a person's character, social position or species [Nagel]

Idea 21000 If justice needs public reasoning, which needs democracy, then justice and democracy are linked [Sen]


The 23 ideas from Amartya Sen

You don't need a complete theory of justice to see that slavery is wrong [Sen]
Democracy needs more than some institutions; diverse sections of the people must be heard [Sen]
Practical justice concerns not only ideals, but ways to achieve them [Sen]
In politics and ethics, scrutiny from different perspectives is essential for objectivity [Sen]
What justifies reliance on reason? Is it just a tool? Why is it better than blind belief? [Sen]
The original position insures that the agreements reached are fair [Sen]
A social contract limits the pursuit of justice to members of a single society [Sen]
Our institutions should promote justice, rather than embodying it [Sen]
A person's voice may count because of their interests, or because of their good sense [Sen]
Freedom from torture or terrorist attacks is independent of citizenship [Sen]
The veil of ignorance encourages neutral interests, but not a wider view of values [Sen]
Rationality is conformity to reasons that can be sustained even after scrutiny [Sen]
Eradicating smallpox does not impoverish nature [Sen]
We must focus on removing manifest injustice, not just try to design a perfect society [Sen]
Capabilities are part of freedom, involving real opportunities [Sen]
Freedom can involve capabilities, independence and non-interference [Sen]
The need for equality among people arises from impartiality and objectivity [Sen]
All modern theories of justice demand equality of something [Sen]
If justice needs public reasoning, which needs democracy, then justice and democracy are linked [Sen]
Democracy as 'government by discussion' now has wide support [Sen]
Famines tend to be caused by authoritarian rule [Sen]
Effective democracy needs tolerant values [Sen]
A human right is not plausible if public scrutiny might reject it [Sen]