357,803 research outputs found
Objectivity
In this entry, we outline the ways in which evolutionary theory has implications for the objectivity of morality
Animals and Objectivity
Starting from the assumption that Kant allows for the possible existence of
conscious sensory states in non-rational animals, I examine the textual and
philosophical grounds for his acceptance of the possibility that such states
are also 'objective'. I elucidate different senses of what might be meant in
crediting a cognitive state as objective. I then put forward and defend an
interpretation according to which the cognitive states of animals, though
extremely limited on Kant's view, are nevertheless minimally objective
Realism and the Epistemic Objectivity of Science
The paper presents a realist account of the epistemic objectivity of science. Epistemic objectivity is distinguished from ontological objectivity and the objectivity of truth. As background, T.S. Kuhn’s idea that scientific theory-choice is based on shared scientific values with a role for both objective and subjective factors is discussed. Kuhn’s values are epistemologically ungrounded, hence provide a minimal sense of objectivity. A robust account of epistemic objectivity on which methodological norms are reliable means of arriving at the truth is presented. The problem remains that deliberative judgement is required to determine the relevance and relative significance of a range of methodological norms. A role is sketched for cognitive virtues which may be exercised in the course of the deliberative judgement
Objectivity and Evaluation
I this article, I introduce the notion of pluralism about an area, and use it to argue that the questions at the center of our normative lives are not settled by the facts -- even the normative facts. One upshot of the discussion is that the concepts of realism and objectivity, which are widely identified, are actually in tension. Another is that the concept of objectivity, not realism, should take center stage
On Eulerian and Lagrangean objectivity in continuum mechanics
In continuum mechanics the commonly—used
definition of objectivity (or frame-indifference) of a tensor field does not distinguish between Eulerian, Lagrangean and two—point tensor fields. This paper highlights the distinction and provides a definition of objectivity which reflects the different transformation rules for Eulerian, Lagrangean and two- point tensor fields under an observer transformation. The notion of induced objectivity is introduced and its implications examined
Feminism, agency and objectivity
In this article I defend the capability approach by focusing on its built-in gender-sensitivity and on its concern with comprehensive outcomes and informationally-rich evaluation of well-being, two elements of Sen's work that are too rarely put together. I then try to show what the capability approach would have to gain by focusing on trans-positional objectivity (as Elizabeth Anderson does) and by leaving behind the narrow confines of states in favor of a more cosmopolitan stance. These preliminary discussions are followed by two more precise applications. At first, I show how a gender-sensitive capability approach that respects the criteria of trans-positional objectivity and cosmopolitanism can enhance the agency of women inhabiting third-world societies. I turn next to show how mainstream feminism can insulate itself against criticisms such as bell hooks' by switching to trans-positional objectivity in public reasoning
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