more from Thomas Nagel

Single Idea 20989

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

Full Idea

A view or form of thought is more objective than another if it relies less on the specifics of the individual's makeup and position in the world, or on the character of the particular type of creature he is.

Gist of Idea

Views are objective if they don't rely on a person's character, social position or species

Source

Thomas Nagel (The View from Nowhere [1986], Intro)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'The View from Nowhere' [OUP 1989], p.5


A Reaction

Notice that this defines comparative objectivity, rather than an absolute. I take it that something must be entirely objective to qualify as a 'fact', and so anything about which there is a consensus that it is a fact can be taken as wholly objective.