."There is no such thing as purely objective observation. All observation is subjective; it is always guided by the observer's expectations or desires."
The author asserts that there is no such thing as purely objective observation and all is subjective. It may be true that in some cases , observation is always guided by the observer’s expectations or desires, however, we can never neglect the fact that there do exist objective observations . And in addition, we should strive for more objectivity and treat them in the right way.
Admittedly, observations of some realms such as social science and humanities were to a degree affected by those observers’ views and desires, especially when people have formed certain inclinations on their attitudes or expectations. And considering the fact that everyone experience differently, we cannot wish them to hold the same opinion toward one thing. To illustrate, let take a look at historians and critics. Being granted the right to comment and evaluate, they pretend to render an authoritative and universal viewpoints on some historic events or current affairs. In fact, in most cases individual factors such as religious believes, class origin or education level, which formed their distinct thoughts, values and desires, play an important role in their judgment. Therefore, the observations are no longer pure objective for the elements of subjectivity added in.
However, in fields such as natural science , observations with too much subjectivity can hardly survive for the reason that they must be scrutinized by the truth and the common ideas. The objects studied, which wait for people to discover ,are pure and unshakable objective facts that bear no subjectivity . Any distortion of the facts will be untenable for they must be checked by the facts themselves. Moreover, the way they are found guarantees the objectivity. Most scientific researches are proceeded by the help of experiments in which the advanced precise instruments or other scientific laws are supervising and rectifying. In astronomy , scientist need to use telescope to detect the general position of a planet and then resort to other more precise means such as the use of probes or computers to gather the data, translate them into images or diagrams and finally wok out the specific position and movements of the planet. Any individual presupposition must be tested by this process in order to procure real observation and draw a justified conclusion. Through this process, the objective observation and thus ruling out the possibility of human emotional intervene is better guaranteed.
Since the fact that the seek for objectivity leads to the success in natural science, we human beings, when conduct our activities , should also obey this rule in pursue of prosperity and progress. From the aspect of whole nation, it is reasonable to suggest that we must envisage our realistic problems such as unemployment , violence ,poverty and so forth. Excluding these problems from our observations and considerations, we are venture concealing and deceiving ourselves against the decline in national economy and stability. Only when we objectively observe these potential crisis and take corresponding measures can the prosperity and development be ensured.
When it comes to the issue of companies, it is even more important to observe objectively and correctly. Before a manager makes his decision and execute his plan, he must have a clear and insightful analyze on his company’s current situation ,such as market share, orientation of product, price and customers, according to his objective observation. It does not allow him to decide unilaterally on his own interests or passions for that will lead to blindness to current circumstance and failure of his decision and campaign.
To sum up, it has to be admitted that in some cases , observation are a bit subjective; However, that is not always the case. More often than not, we are living in an advanced world which is guided by the scientific and objective spirits. And undoubtedly , we should unceasingly apply this spirits to the construction of our country and the principle of company management .
[ Last edited by staralways on 2005-7-31 at 18:54 ]