Subjective vs. Objective: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 13, 2023
Subjective involves personal feelings and bias, while objective relates to impartial facts and unbiased truth.
Key Differences
Subjective involves perspectives that are based heavily on personal feelings, thoughts, and bias. Objective, conversely, relates to the presentation or view of facts or things without involvement of personal emotions and interpretations. One focuses on the individual and internal, while the other aims for universal and external validity.
Subjective experiences can be deeply personal, reflective of internal biases, perspectives, and personal backgrounds. Objective viewpoints strive to eliminate those personal biases, attempting to observe situations and facts without letting personal feelings and interpretations influence the observation. One is rooted in self, while the other seeks detachment from self.
Subjective thinking may result in differing opinions and viewpoints even when observing the same facts or scenarios. Objective thinking typically results in consistent understanding and interpretation, aiming for universal agreement by relying on verifiable facts. The former embraces variation while the latter seeks consensus.
In subjective analysis, the context often shifts, focusing on the emotional and personal reactions of the observer. Objective analysis requires a consistent context that doesn’t shift according to personal feelings, providing a steady, unwavering lens through which situations are viewed. Emotional flexibility characterizes the first, while emotional steadiness marks the second.
Subjective often results in richer, emotionally laden, and personally relevant interpretations of events or data. Objective tends to produce more universally applicable and emotionally neutral interpretations, striving for widespread acceptance and validity. Emotional depth is key in subjective, while emotional neutrality is crucial in objective.
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Personal feelings and bias
Impartial facts and unbiased truth
Dependence on Observer
High – influenced by personal bias
Low – seeks to eliminate personal bias
Consistency
Can vary between individuals
Aims for universal consistency
Emotional Involvement
Typically involves emotional response
Strives for emotional detachment
Applicability
Often personally relevant
Aims for universal relevance
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Subjective and Objective Definitions
Subjective
Subjective refers to how someone interprets or feels about something.
His subjective opinion was that the movie was boring.
Objective
Objective refers to facts that are not influenced by personal feelings.
The report was objective, only including verifiable information.
Subjective
Subjective implies a personal, internal experience.
Pain is subjective and can be experienced differently by each person.
Objective
Objective involves being impartial and unbiased.
The judge was objective, not letting personal beliefs impact decisions.
Subjective
Subjective denotes a perspective centered on personal interpretation.
Art is often subjective, with interpretations varying widely.
Objective
Objective denotes something external to the mind and independent of personal feelings.
Science aims to be objective, relying on observable facts.
Subjective
Subjective involves a level of personal judgment or bias.
Her subjective choice was influenced by her previous experiences with the brand.
Objective
Objective means being based on measurable criteria, not influenced by bias or emotion.
An objective assessment uses standard tests to avoid bias.
Subjective
Subjective means influenced by personal feelings or biases.
The review was subjective, harshly critiquing the author's style.
Objective
Objective refers to something aimed at providing factual and unbiased truth.
Objective journalism reports facts without promoting any agenda.
Subjective
Dependent on or taking place in a person's mind rather than the external world
"The sensation of pain is a highly subjective experience that varies by culture as well as by individual temperament and situation" (John Hoberman).
Objective
Existing independent of or external to the mind; actual or real
Objective reality.
Subjective
Based on a given person's experience, understanding, and feelings; personal or individual
Admitted he was making a highly subjective judgment.
Objective
Based on observable phenomena; empirical
Objective facts.
FAQs
Can objective facts change?
Objective facts can be revised based on new evidence or information.
Can a subjective viewpoint be wrong?
Subjective viewpoints aren’t right or wrong but are personal interpretations.
Is subjective associated with emotional response?
Yes, subjective perspectives often involve personal emotions and feelings.
Does subjective imply bias?
Yes, subjective perspectives are influenced by personal biases and feelings.
Can a person be both subjective and objective?
Yes, a person can try to be objective but may have subjective moments.
Why is objective information important?
Objective information is vital for making informed, unbiased decisions and evaluations.
Does objectivity require evidence?
Generally, yes; objectivity is supported by evidence and factual information.
Can something be subjective and universal?
Rarely, as subjective experiences tend to vary between individuals.
Does objectivity promote neutrality?
Yes, objectivity aims for a neutral standpoint, free from personal bias.
Why is subjectivity important?
Subjectivity is important for personal expression, empathy, and relational understanding.
Is subjectivity valued in art?
Yes, subjectivity is often valued in art for personal expression and interpretation.
How is objective data collected?
Objective data is typically collected using standardized and unbiased methods.
Can subjective feelings be explained objectively?
Partially, while the feelings are subjective, their description might strive for objectivity.
Is objectivity always possible?
Absolute objectivity is debatable as unintentional biases might exist.
Can objective information be disproven?
Yes, objective information can be challenged and disproven with credible evidence.
Are subjective experiences unique to individuals?
Yes, subjective experiences are influenced by individual perceptions and biases.
Can an objective statement be a fact?
Yes, an objective statement is often factual and verifiable.
Is subjective synonymous with personal?
Yes, subjective often relates to personal viewpoints and experiences.
Are subjective viewpoints unreliable?
Not necessarily, but they are not universally applicable due to personal bias.
Can an objective approach lack depth?
Sometimes, as it may not encompass the depth found in personal, subjective experiences.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
