Here we go, Blue, upwards and onwards to the next level...<g>
First of all, I am not convinced that the examples you have provided of objectivity/subjectivity really illustrate your point.
1)Now - is that dollar in your wallet real or counterfeit? Is that gold necklace 18K or plated? The truth is objective, but your opinion (without an assay) is subjective.
I would submit that "my opinion, without an assay" would not be "subjective," but simply "uninformed." In other words, I might guess that the dollar was "real," but if there was any reason to doubt its "reality," I would know that I'd need to check it out before drawing a final conclusion on that score. We are dealing with a matter of simple fact here. It is either real or it is countefeit. Now, if I express an opinion about the beauty (or the ugliness) of the dollar -- oh, better say the gold necklace -- that is truly "subjective." (Although my judgment can be based on some "objective" standards.)
2) We see a man hitting a child. Is that abuse? Is he putting out a fire? The truth is objective, but your opinion without more information, is subjective.
Same objection. If those are the only two alternatives -- abuse or putting out a fire -- my opinion "without further information" is "uninformed," not "subjective."
3) The final level. We see a man hitting a child, and there is no fire. Is it abuse? Or is it discipline. Here, even the truth is subjective.
Agreed -- up to a certain point.
If there are other alternatives (other than "abuse" or "fire") then my interpretation of the man's motivation will inevitably be at least somewhat "subjective" (who can really see into another person's soul, anyway?). And the truth itself may be more difficult -- or altogether impossible -- to determine.
But even in the given case, however, it may still be possible to get to the truth, or at least to the part of the truth that counts. How badly has the child been hurt? Does it have black eyes, broken limbs, etc.? Is there a pattern of such discipline/abuse going back to the past? Has the child repeatedly shown up at the hospital?
If so, then it does not matter if the adult in question thinks he or she is just disciplining the child. Many abusers apparently do think that is what they are doing. But the objective fact of the matter is that the adult is abusing the child.
There is usually some available evidence pointing in one direction or another. And I think you will find that some people's "subjective" opinions about it will be more "objective" (i.e., more firmly based on the available evidence) than other people's "subjective" opinions.
Ball's in your court. :-)
Joan
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