Objectivity

Objectivity A Tract Book Essay By Anthony J. Fejfar, B.A., J.D., Esq., Coif © Copyright 2007 by Anthony J. Fejfar There are two ways to look at Objectivity, one is Subjective and personal, and the other is Objective and impersonal. In a world of relativism, it is often argued that objectivity does not exist. This is particularly true when one considers the implications of Heisenberg’s Indeterminacy Principle, based on Quantum Physics. I argue, however, that Objectivity still exists, and this can be demonstrated either ontologically/objectively, or existentially/subjectively. From an ontological point of view, we begin with the metaphysical quiddity of Being. The existence of Being is proven primarily through an analogical argument which shows that if the Quantum Field exists and can be proven to exist, outside of space-time, then Being, by analogy, can also be proven to exist outside of space-time. Being is defined as an Unrestricted Act of Understanding.

Being uses the

Absolute Relationality of Substance, which transcends relativism, together with Form of Form, in order to provide an immediate, complete grasp of all that is real. Being is virtually linear and perpetual. Objectivity exists for human being to the extent that they intend Being in their cognitive operations. Contrary to the view of scientific materialism, Being is the source of Objectivity, metaphysically, not materiality. As eastern philosophers have pointed

out, all that materiality leads to is illusion. This is the ontological/objective argument for Objectivity. A second argument for Objectivity is the existential/subjective approach. Here it is argued that if we work to develop more authentic ways of knowing, and then apply those results, cumulatively, then eventually we will develop an epistemology based upon authentic subjectivity as a basis for Objectivity. Thus, we start with the Lonerganian Trancendental Precepts, Be Attentive, Be Intelligent, Be Reasonable, Be Responsible, Be Loving.

It is argued that if one were to commit to the above, existential process, then

one would find transcendence in one’s knowing and would develop a form of objectivity known as authentic subjectivity. Finally, it should be noted that in terms of the Levels of Consciousness or Levels of Reality, Objectivity takes place at a different level than authentic subjectivity. Authentic subjectivity is a level 3 probabalistic function, while objectivity is a level 4 virtually unconditioned function which intends Being, using Formal Operations (Piaget). Level 4

Being

Level 3

Substance

Level 2

Matter

Level 1

Materiality

Formal Operations Reason

Objectivity

Authentic Self

Authentic Subjectivity Spirit-Intellect

Analytic Understanding Experience Body Mind

Soul Material Body