Metaphysical objectivism

:This article is about the metaphysical and epistemological theory. For other theories known under the same term, see objectivism.

Related Topics:
Metaphysical - Epistemological - Objectivism

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Metaphysical objectivism is the theory that there is an underlying reality that exists independent of our perception and consciousness. This is in contrast to metaphysical subjectivism.

Related Topics:
Consciousness - Metaphysical subjectivism

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The famous riddle "If a tree falls in the forest, but no one is present to hear it, does it make a sound?" illustrates the difference between the two positions. A metaphysical objectivist would say the answer is yes--the tree does make a sound when no one is around to hear it. The metaphysical subjectivist would say it doesn't. Theological positions complicate the question--for example, George Berkeley would argue that the tree always makes a sound because God is always present to hear it.

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The importance of perception in evaluating and understanding objective reality is debated. Realism sides that perception is key in directly observing objective reality, while instrumentalism holds that perception is not necessarily useful in directly observing objective reality, but is useful in interpreting and predicting reality. The concept that encompasses these ideas is an important philosophical foundation of science.

Related Topics:
Realism - Instrumentalism - Philosophical foundation of science

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