Subjective and Objective Realities

In my undergraduate Research Methods course, we had to learn the difference between these two types of experiences. I have been coming across these things again in the study of morals, and in some ways these concepts seem to be impacting current events significantly. Now, we can study both subjective and objective realities in science. Additionally, a researcher can attempt to make the subjective into something objective.

To make sense of this, we have to first understand the difference between a subjective reality and an objective reality. Subjective reality is like personal experience, it varies from individual to individual, some examples a thought, opinion or an emotion. While objective reality is rooted more in something outside of ourselves that is observable and measurable by multiple individuals.

Subjective data is usually gathered in “qualitative studies” while objective data is usually gathered in “quantitative studies”. For example, in social and psychological science, qualitative studies need to be performed prior to quantitative studies being performed. So that the quantitative measure has an empirical foundation to build from. It does not make it less valid, it is just a way to make the subjective experience objective.

Although, having a whole society think this is the same as complete objective science, like the concept of gravity, seems misleading to an extent. A subjective experience could include “I don’t think/feel/believe gravity exists” and objective experience would bring you to ask questions like, “then how do you explain your weight on the scale?” or “how do you explain the reasons we can only walk on the ground and not on the walls?”. That is an extreme example, but it is always good to question the subjective experience with objective questions.

Making the subjective reality an objective reality seems to be what many people in modern mainstream culture tend to do. Concepts like “that’s what you believe” and other postmodern thought processes are predominating the mainstream thought culture, even in psychological research. The list of what we would consider objective reality is shrinking and getting foggier as time goes on. Even as science has progressed, our objective realities have gotten less clear as time has gone on.

What do you think about this? What are some objective and subjective truths you can name? Please like and comment so we can discuss more!