Subjectivity

/ˌsʌbdʒɛkˈtɪvəti/ noun

Definition

The quality of being based on personal opinions, feelings, interpretations, or individual perspective rather than external facts. It acknowledges that knowledge and experience are filtered through individual consciousness and cultural background.

Etymology

From 'subjective' (Latin 'subjectivus', relating to the subject who experiences) plus '-ity'. The term gained prominence in 19th-century philosophy as thinkers like Kierkegaard emphasized the irreducible role of personal experience in human understanding and meaning-making.

Kelly Says

Subjectivity isn't a flaw to overcome - it's the inescapable human condition! Even when we try to be objective, we're still seeing through human eyes, thinking with human brains, and caring about human concerns. Subjectivity is like the water fish swim in - invisible but essential.

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