Issues in bioethics Is there “objective truth” in ethics? By Gabriel Tordjman Humanities 345-BXH:Issues in Bioethics Winter 2018

What is “objective truth?” As a noun “objective” can mean “goal,” “aim” or purpose but this is not what we mean here. We mean the idea that reality exists aside from our thoughts or viewpoints about it: Objective is “... something that can be known...; existing independent of thought or an observer as part of reality”. (dictionary.com)

What is Subjective Truth? A “subject” can mean a topic but it can also mean an individual or a group. Subjective truth means something that is true from the point of view of the subject (the individual). Subjectivism is thus an idea that assumes “…that there is no “objective” reality and that reality is based on the viewpoint, feelings, attitudes, beliefs or perceptions of the individual (the subject) (Tordjman 5).”

Subjectivism Subjectivism assumes reality is based on the perception, feelings, attitude, etc… of the observer. Objectivism Objectivism assumes reality exists independently of the perception, feelings, attitude of the observer.

What is Subjective Truth? Some things are clearly subjective truths: I like coffee and you like tea. These are true but there is no “right answer” for everyone (objectively) This is a matter of subjective preference or taste.

What is Subjective Truth? Subjectivists sometimes say that what is true is really what I (the subject) likes. Of course, this can differ from person to person, so again, there can be no “objective” or universal truth (says the subjectivist)_ I like ducks I like cats

Subjectivism

What is “objective truth?” Objective: “... something that can be known...; existing independent of thought or an observer as part of reality”. (dictionary.com) “…independent of thought or an observer…” means something that exists even if no one has thought of it, believes it, feels it or perceives it. So, objective truth assumes there is a “reality” “out there” regardless of anyone’s or any culture’s opinion.

Objectivism From the viewpoint of the objectivist, reality is objective and not equivalent to perception. Indeed, perceptions can be wrong (as in the last figure here). This is something a subjectivist would never say. For subjectivists, reality is what you perceive or feel, so everyone’s view of reality is always right!

Are there objective truths at all? 2 +2 + 4 Is this mathematical statement true or not? If someone believes it’s not true, is it still true or not? If an entire culture believes it’s not true, is it still true? What is your view and why? What are the consequences of believing one view or the other?

Are there objective truths at all? This is the geocentric model of the universe. It placed the earth at the centre of the universe. People believed in this model for thousands of years? Were they right? Were they right even back then when everyone believed it? “Cosmology and the Origin of Life,” http://zebu.uoregon.edu/2002/ph123/lec02.html

How to talk to an alien The SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) organization is looking for evidence of intelligent life in the universe. (We are looking for the same thing at Dawson College) SETI Institute, “The History of SETI, http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=581

How to talk to an alien What if they make contact? How will they talk to them? Is there any language they could use that these aliens must know if they are intelligent creatures? If there is, then that language must be “objective”; something that is known and true and independent of the culture one comes from.

How to talk to an alien 2 +2 + 4 That language would be the language of mathematics. Mathematics is true, regardless of the culture or opinion or beliefs of anyone. Mathematics is objectively true.

How to talk to an alien In the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a massive space ship from another planet lands on Earth. The aliens had sent a message using the language of music and mathematics

How to talk to an alien And the humans understood it and sent back a musical/mathematical response. Musical scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Kgzn3tDQU “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, http://thecia.com.au/reviews/c/close-encounters-of-the-third-kind.shtml

How to talk to an alien The assumption of the movie and SETI is that we can communicate with aliens through mathematics because mathematics is objectively true. 2 + 2 = 4 What a nerd! “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, http://thecia.com.au/reviews/c/close-encounters-of-the-third-kind.shtml

Yes, there are objective truths! Not just mathematics but the laws of nature are also “objectively true”. This includes the law of gravity, laws of motion, and many others that scientists have discovered.

Objective Truth in Ethics? We can make a good case for objective truth in mathematics and science but the BIG question is: Are there objective truths in ethics?

Objective Truth in Ethics? At first sight, the answer is no because: The laws of nature can be proved with facts that we can see, measure, weigh, test and duplicate. Are there “moral facts” too? Subjectivists say “No!” Also: It’s a fact that individuals and cultures differ on what they consider right and wrong. Doesn’t that prove there’s no “objective truth” in ethics, only subjective truth?

Objective Truth in Ethics? So, are ethical truths merely subjective, true only from the viewpoint of the individual, based on personal preference or taste? If so, there are no objective ethical truths. BUT: Maybe a case can still be made for objective truth in ethics.

The case for objective truth in ethics First, it isn’t really true that only natural laws and scientific theories can be supported with facts and logic. Ethical theories can also be supported with facts, logic and reason. However, ethics cannot claim the same degree of certainty as science.

The case for objective truth in ethics Next, it isn’t true that cultures differ on all ethical questions. For example, there is no culture that encourages people to kill other innocent members of their culture.

The case for objective truth in ethics Humans are much alike in their physical bodies and in their basic needs. Thus, they will come up with many ideas and values that serve to meet these needs. For these reasons, many (but not all) values and ethics will be similar for many individuals and many cultures.

For example, despite conflicts between religions, some authors claim there is actually a common core of ethical viewpoints between many of the world’s religions .

The case for objective truth in ethics Moreover, some claim humans have an innate moral sense ( we are born with a capacity to develop morality) Just like everyone has biological features in common (eyes, limbs, head) we may also have common moral features, like the moral sense. If so, this would also tend to support the view that there is a common or objective ethics.

The case for objective truth in ethics Maybe this is part of what Kant meant when he said: "Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe... the starry sky above me and the moral law within me."

The case for objective truth in ethics Finally, we should also consider this: Many people don’t like the idea of an objective truth in ethics because it sounds intolerant. What is their case? What are the drawbacks to their viewpoint? Do you agree/disagree with them? Why?

Where do you now stand on the issue of whether there is an objective truth in ethics? (Yes, no, other?) Why do you believe what you believe?

Key terms to know Subject/subjectivity/subjectivism Objectivity/objectivism NB: “Objectivism” is also what Ayn Rand calls her philosophy. Rand’s “objectivism” is not the same as “objectivity” and “objectivism” discussed here. Reasons in favour of above (distinguish separate reasons) Critiques of above (distinguish separate reasons)

More to know (but not discussed here)… Relativism/subjectivism distinction Individual Ethical Relativism equivalent to cultural relativism? Different types of subjectivism: “Simple Ethical Subjectivism” vs. “Emotivism” (see James Rachels, 4th ed., ch. 3) “Absolutism”: what is that? (not discussed here)

The End?