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 Formal Operations Objectivity Authentic Self

Level 3 Substance Reason Authentic Subjectivity Spirit-Intellect

Level 2 Matter Analytic Understanding Soul

Level 1 Materiality Experience Body Mind Material Body