Subjective - view of self from self for the writing of memoir

What do we mean by subjectivity

Have you ever been accused of being subjective, biased, or judgmental? It's a common experience, and it often comes from a place of misunderstanding. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they each have distinct meanings. To understand how our perceptions can sometimes lead to these accusations, it's essential to delve into the concept of subjectivity.

Subjectivity is the lens through which we view the world, shaped by our personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions. It's the opposite of objectivity, which seeks to observe without bias. Our unique perspectives lead to diverse interpretations of events, concepts, and the world around us.

When we are subjective, we interpret events and concepts through the filter of our own experiences and worldview. Our personal context, shaped by our upbringing, culture, and life events, influences our understanding and responses. We communicate and interact based on this subjective perspective, which inevitably colors our words and actions.

What is Subjectivity in Philosophy

Descartes believed that our thoughts prove our existence. He argued that our minds, or our thinking selves, are separate from our physical bodies. Even if our bodies change, our thoughts and experiences remain. Imagine dreaming you're a superhero flying through the sky. Even if you wake up in bed, the dream remains in your mind, showing that your mind is distinct from your physical body. For Descartes our essence as a person is defined by what we think and not by our physical appearance or body's state.

Meanwhile, another branch of philosophy - Phenomenology - focuses on personal experiences as the key to understanding ourselves. Not our self-perception, but how we've lived through our experiences. If someone tends to withdraw and avoid speaking up in social situations, they might think of themselves as "introverted" or "quiet." But in a phenomenological perspective their actions, like avoiding eye contact or standing alone at parties, not what they perceive about themselves, will affirm that they are shy. in other words, for the phenomenologists, we are not defined by what we think we are, but by how our actions and behaviors demonstrate who we are.

Last but not the least, existentialism emphasizes individual freedom and choice as the foundation of identity. We create our meaning through the choices we make. Our identity is likewise shaped by our decisions. In this philosophy, Jean-Paul Sartre posited that personal consciousness is important, but we are not only free to make choices; we are also responsible for their consequences. Our actions have a profound impact on both our own lives and the lives of others.

Subjectivity in Psychology

In psychology, subjectivity is how our personal experiences shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, ultimately influencing how we view the world. For example, someone who grew up in a supportive environment might have a positive self-concept, leading them to be open-minded and optimistic. In contrast, someone who experienced trauma might have a negative self-concept, distorting their view of the world and making them more pessimistic.

Carl Rogers, a psychologist, believed that a positive self-concept leads to an open mind, while a negative self-concept can distort our view of the world. Albert Bandura emphasized the importance of our beliefs about our abilities, which influence our feelings of agency. Their theories show that our thoughts and beliefs are not just passive reflections of our experiences; they actively shape how we perceive and interact with the world.

Emotions play a crucial role in our subjective experiences, influencing how we interpret events and make decisions. Feeling happy can make us more optimistic and open to new experiences, while feeling sad can make us more introspective and cautious. Positive psychology focuses on understanding how subjective well-being can be enhanced. An understanding of how our feelings and thoughts work together, and how they affect who we are and how we see the world, helps us see how our experiences shape our lives and relationships. This leads to better mental health and positive personal growth.

Cultural Influences on Subjectivity

Cultural influences play a big role in shaping our subjectivity. Every culture has unique beliefs and customs that affect how we interpret our experiences. This interplay between culture and subjectivity influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

In collectivist cultures, like many Asian ones, group harmony is important. An individual's sense of self is tied to the community's well-being. This means that societal expectations influence how people interpret their experiences. For example, the concept of "face" in Eastern cultures affects how people respond to failure, shaping their experiences of shame or pride within a social context.

In individualistic cultures, like many Western ones, personal achievement and individual rights are important. Subjectivity is often aligned with personal goals and self-actualization. People from these cultures may interpret failure as a chance for personal growth, viewing it through the lens of self-improvement. This shows how cultural orientations shape how we interpret similar experiences.

Historical context also influences subjectivity. For example, the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures continues to shape their worldview, affecting how they process and understand experiences. Cultural narratives around trauma, resilience, and identity are shaped by these historical lenses, creating a rich tapestry of subjective experiences that vary across different cultures.

Subjectivity in the Arts and Literature

In art and literature, our personal feelings and experiences come through in the work. This connection between the artist and us makes art more than just seeing; it's an emotional experience. As the philosopher Martha Nussbaum argues, art and literature help us understand the subjective perspectives of others, fostering empathy and moral imagination.

In stories, we see subjectivity through the narrator, characters, and themes. Authors use the points of view to show us what a person is really thinking and feeling. Different backgrounds, beliefs, and feelings shape how we see the world. This mix of experiences makes us think about what it means to be human and helps us feel empathy for others.

Artistic movements and literary styles often come from a shared sense of who we are. These styles are influenced by society, culture, and history. A shared exploration of our feelings and experiences lets us connect with art on many levels and think about our own lives. This connection, as Martha Nussbaum argues, is crucial for cultivating empathy and critical thinking

The Consequences of Subjectivity

Subjectivity is a big part of who we are, influencing how we see things, make choices, and interact with others. While it can help us grow and understand each other better, it can also lead to problems. When we filter information through our own experiences, we might miss important facts or make assumptions based on our beliefs or feelings. This can cause disagreements and make it hard to talk with others.

Media can shape our opinions based on how they see things. It's important to be aware of our own biases and how society influences them. By recognizing the role of subjectivity, we can communicate better and build stronger communities.

Reflecting on our own perspective is essential. It helps us see how our experiences influence our thoughts and actions. By understanding the good and bad sides of subjectivity, we can navigate our relationships and communities better, promoting understanding and unity even when we are different.

Embracing our Differences: Living with Subjectivities

In today's world, we encounter a diversity of ideas. To understand them, we must be kind and listen carefully. We should also know our own biases. Our past shapes how we think and judge. By considering our beliefs and seeing our blind spots, we can be more open. Mindfulness helps us notice our quick reactions, so we can think before we act.

Learning about other cultures and experiences helps us understand different viewpoints. Joining groups or exploring art and books from different places can make us more open-minded and appreciate diversity. Making safe spaces for talking helps everyone share their ideas without fear, leading to tolerance and understanding.

The journey of understanding subjectivity is a lifelong endeavor. By cultivating kindness, acknowledging our biases, and seeking out diverse perspectives, we can navigate this complex world with greater empathy and understanding. This not only fosters personal growth but also contributes to a more harmonious society where everyone feels valued and respected.