Onjectivity and subjectivity in science and psychology

Abstract

Despite the achievements of the sciences in the last three or four centuries, the erroneous view is still current that the sciences lack objectivity and stability. This view is clearly not based upon concrete observation and analysis, but rather upon absolutistic metaphysical beliefs. It is in order then to examine this situation as it applies to psycho­logy and the other sciences. It is suggested that by considering sorne selected problems of science and psychology, the issue of objectivity versus subjectivity will be considerably illu­minated.

The essential message of this article is the need to banish all versions of absolutism and extremism from the domains of existence and knowledge. Absolutism and extremism lead to transcendentalism which has no place in science, including psychology. The pre­sent discussion is addressed to the particular version of transcendentalism which holds that objectivity and stability are absent from science, that all is haphazard and omnivalent ¡n contrast to the efforts and achievements of all the various scientific disciplines. The nonobjective pronunciations reflect a religious and rnetaphysical attitude that is blind to the obvious detailed interbehaviors of scientists with inorganic, organic, and cultural objects and events. As we have indicated jn the text, when observation and analysis of the work and results of concrete investigation are reviewed, there is nothing to support any mythical and mysterious subjectivity and internality in science or in scientific psy­chology.