Single Idea 23722

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

Full Idea

'Objectivity' should be understood not as 'contemplation without interest' (a non-concept and an absurdity), but as having in our power the ability to engage and disengage our 'pros' and 'cons'; we can use the difference in perspectives for knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Objectivity is not disinterestedness (impossible), but the ability to switch perspectives

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (On the Genealogy of Morals [1887], III.§12)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'On the Genealogy of Morals', ed/tr. Diethe, Carol [CUP 1997], p.87


A Reaction

Note that he will use perspectives to achieve knowledge. The idea that Perspectivalism is mere relativism is labelled as 'extreme' in Idea 4486. He is right that objectivity is a mental capacity and achievement of individuals.

Related Ideas

Idea 4420 There is only 'perspective' seeing and knowing, and so the best objectivity is multiple points of view [Nietzsche]

Idea 4486 The extreme view is there are only perspectives, no true beliefs, because there is no true world [Nietzsche]