more from Thomas Nagel

Single Idea 3287

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / D. Property Dualism / 6. Mysterianism]

Full Idea

If the subjective character of experience is fully comprehensible only from one point of view, then any shift to greater objectivity does not take us nearer to the real nature of the phenomenon: it takes us further away from it.

Gist of Idea

We can't be objective about experience

Source

Thomas Nagel (What is it like to be a bat? [1974], p.174)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'Mortal Questions' [CUP 1981], p.174


A Reaction

We can, however, talk to one another about our subjectivity, and compare notes, and such 'inter-subjectivity' may be one approach to objectivity. We must concede Nagel's point, but we also miss something about a stone if we must remain outside of it.