How do you define subjective?

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Brad
Member Ascendant

since 1999-08-20

Posts 5705
Jejudo, South Korea

0 posted 2001-07-03 08:34 PM

Here's a dictionary definition:

sub¡¤jec¡¤tive (sb-jktv)
adj.

Proceeding from or taking place in a person's mind rather than the external world: a subjective decision.
Particular to a given person; personal: subjective experience.
Moodily introspective.
Existing only in the mind; illusory.
Psychology. Existing only within the experiencer's mind.
Medicine. Of, relating to, or designating a symptom or condition perceived by the patient and not by the examiner.
Expressing or bringing into prominence the individuality of the artist or author.

_______________

But what I'm more interested in is what do you mean/feel when you use the word?

Thanks,
Brad

Poeminister
Senior Member

since 2000-02-26

Posts 1862
Regina SK; Canada

1 posted 2001-07-03 10:01 PM

I usually think/feel, of "subjective" as uncertain, vague, or diversely disposed, --something you can't be sure about but that different people grow into different convictions and thinking habits about, based on perceptions and their own personal experiences....

Hope that makes some sense..

Local Rebel
Member Ascendant

since 1999-12-21

Posts 5767
Southern Abstentia

2 posted 2001-07-03 10:25 PM

my personal definition of subjective would be entirely subjective... lol

[This message has been edited by Local Rebel (edited 07-03-2001).]

Brad
Member Ascendant

since 1999-08-20

Posts 5705
Jejudo, South Korea

3 posted 2001-07-03 11:42 PM

Poeminister,

Thanks. It helps a lot actually.

LR,
You're telling me a lot as well.

I hope others add there thoughts. I'm not trying to debate the meaning of subjectivity, I'm trying to understand what people mean when they say it.

Brad

KwiatMan
Junior Member

since 2001-05-19

Posts 17
Florida

4 posted 2001-07-04 03:28 AM

My personal definition of subjective would be objective...lol

In truth, when I think of subjective, I think
of a twilight zone where things are in the perceptual stage, yet to be advanced or discarded. If the attempt is made to create
reality rather than perceive it and accept
it, then the twilight zone will prevail.
Jan...

hush
Senior Member

since 2001-05-27

Posts 1653
Ohio, USA

5 posted 2001-07-05 01:17 PM

Most observations are naturally subjective, which is why I didn't reply to the objectivity post- I don't think such a thing as true objectivity exists. When people, such as therapists, try to remain objective, it's simply a method of inducing another's subjectivity- and you can say all you want about professionalism, but everyone has an opinion, and that will influence the way the patient/client is dealt with.

Subjectivity usually has to deal with how much experience one has with any particular situation. I have never found myself preganat- therfore I can easily say I am of a pre-life standpoint on abortion. However, if I became pregnnt, having more experience with the situation, my opinion might change due to the subjective nature of the opinion itself. There is also the fact that the knowledge a person has of a particular issue will influence their opinion of it, as well as spiritual beliefs, upbringing, etc.

everything's fine.

Stephanos

Member Elite

since 2000-07-31

Posts 3618
Statesboro, GA, USA

6 posted 2001-07-10 11:52 PM

When I hear the word subjective, my understanding depends on the context and how the word is used (more objective considerations I guess)...

But When I use the word, most I often I use it in the sense of being highly personal in nature. I consider any perception which is based heavily on direct experience and the feelings which follow to be "subjective".

To me "subjective" does not necessarily mean illusory, or false... It just describes any information that is by nature "subjected" to the limitations of subjective experiences.

The definition which I liked and thought was insightful is "relating to properties or specific conditions of the mind as distinguished from general or universal experience." As such, what is subjective is just what its name implies, subject to the crucible of objectivity...though not to say that subjectivity is impotent or unable to say anything unique.

If that makes any sense... if not I guess it was too subjective ...LOL.

Stephen.

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