OBJECTIVITY
"In order fro sensation to accede to the objectivity of things, it must itself be changed into a thing. The agent of change is language : the sensations are turned into verbal objects" -- Octavio Paz
Objectivity is a philosophical concept of being true independently from individual subjectivity caused by perception, emotions, or imagination. A proposition is considered to have objective truth when its truth conditions are met without bias caused by a sentient subject. Scientific objectivity refers to the ability to judge without partiality or external influence, sometimes used synonymously with neutrality.
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Importance: -
Objectivity is a value. To call a thing objective implies that it has a certain importance to us and that we approve of it. Objectivity comes in degrees. Claims, methods and results can be more or less objective, and, other things being equal, the more objective, the better.
The need of objectivity arises only in group life. The main usage of objectivity is to regulate and harmonize the group life. People settle their disputes while the criteria for decisions are objective. Here objectivity has no direct concern with the reality or truth. Decisions based on objective facts may be misleading.
The other purpose of objectivity is to make other people convinced. People are convinced only of such statements/ facts, which are derived from those already known facts which are also objective for them.
A fact, which is not objective for me (i.e. I do not consider it to be true or it is not verifiable) if results in another fact which is derived from the original fact – this new fact cannot convince me. But if the original fact was considered to be true by me then I also shall consider the derived fact also to be true.
Strategies for Making Objective Decisions
We all face difficult decisions, but how can we increase the likelihood of making the right choice? Here are seven strategies to ensure you make objective decisions that aren't influenced by irrelevant factors.
Acknowledge and Compensate for Your Biases.
Our decisions stop being objective when our emotions and biases begin to interfere with our evaluations. In order to reduce this impact, think critically about your own mentality and what factors could contribute to a subjective decision.
Use Pro and Con Lists.
Pro and con lists are an old standby, but they're still a worthwhile pursuit. Take each option in your decision and make two lists for each; on one side, you'll have all the benefits of an option and on the other, you'll have all the downsides.
Imagine Counseling a Friend.
It's easy to get lost in your own head when considering all the possible factors that could affect the outcome of your decision. Imaging your own advice if you were counseling a friend on making the decision can help you understand what an outsider's perspective might be.
Strip Down Your Deciding Factors.
This strategy is useful when your decision is particularly difficult. Instead of trying to think of everything that could possibly be accounted for when making the decision, try to limit what you have to interpret. Strip down the deciding factors to a minimal number; for example, if you're deciding between two new jobs, you could pare the decision down to salary, work culture, and potential for growth. Eliminate any factor that isn't one of your primary considerations, and look at what remains.
Experiment by Reversing Your Line of Thinking.
During the decision making process, you're going to make assumptions--it's both natural and unpreventable. But that doesn't mean you can't tinker with those assumptions in order to get a fuller, more objective view of the situation.
Create a Scoring System.
This is a way to reduce your decision down to a game of numbers. Assign positive or negative points to each quality associated with each of your decisions, and keep a total score running for each one. For example, the fact that a new potential marketing strategy is inexpensive might be worth 3 points, but the fact that it's a moderate risk might be worth negative 2 points, leaving it with 1 point remaining.
Make a Decision and Live with It.
Ultimately, no matter how much you pore over a decision or think about all the possible consequences, a decision will have to be made. There's no avoiding it. Don't delay making a decision just because you can't come down easily on one side or the other.
It's impossible to make any truly objective decision--we are all subtly influenced by our emotions, our personalities, and our past experienced, no matter how hard we try to isolate the objective details. Still, using these strategies to make your decisions more objective is a worthwhile endeavor. Even if your decision doesn't pan out the way you intended, you can at least rest assured that you made the best possible decision under the circumstances.
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Yoga Exercises for Objectivity: -
Sun Salutations – Surya Namaskar
The Sun Salutation is an ideal series of exercises to warm up the body in preparation for the upcoming yoga postures. Moreover, the fluid movements of the body in harmony with the breath help you to prepare mentally and to bring your focus on your body and your breath.
Shoulder stand / Candle – Sarvangasana
Shoulder stand or Candle is known as the ‘Queen of asanas’. This yoga pose stimulates the thyroid gland and as a consequence effects the entire body. Hence the name Sarvangasana, which literally means “all limbs pose”.
Plough Pose – Halasana
The Plough is a perfect posture to practice after the Candle because it continues the stimulation of the thyroid gland. Moreover, this yoga exercise also works on the lower back and the hamstrings giving both body parts an intensive stretch. It is important to keep supporting the lower back with the hands until the feet can touch the floor comfortably.
Half Bridge Pose (Ardha Setu Bandhasana)
After compressing the chest in the Shoulder Stand and afterwards in the Plough, the Bridge is a commonly used counter pose to open the chest again. This yoga exercise stimulates the thyroid gland as well as the liver and the spleen.
Fish Pose – Matsayasana
The Fish Pose provides a stretch to the neck and opens up the chest. This counter pose after the Candle stimulates the benefits of the previous postures. Deep yogic breathing is stimulated and with each inhalation the chest opens up more and more.
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Essential Oils for Objectivity: -
Cardamom
The Oil of Objectivity Cardamom helps you to regain objectivity, mental sobriety and self-control. This requires a dig deep session from you or someone you know. It assists individuals who frequently feel frustrated or angry with other people. When you feel "hot headed" like you are losing control and rational function. Cardamom helps to bring balance, mental clarity and objectivity during moments of extreme anger.