The fundamental difference between objective and intersubjective lies in whose mental states determine the truth of a statement. An objective statement is true regardless of anyone's thoughts or beliefs, whereas an intersubjective statement relies on the shared mental states of multiple individuals for its truth.
Understanding the Concepts
To fully grasp the distinction, it's helpful to compare these terms with each other and with 'subjective,' which completes the spectrum of truth dependency.
What is Objective?
An objective statement depends for its truth on the mental states of no one. This means that its truth value is independent of any individual's perception, belief, or opinion. Objective truths are often verifiable through empirical evidence, scientific methods, or logical deduction that holds universally.
Examples of Objective Statements:
- "The Earth orbits the Sun."
- "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure."
- "2 + 2 = 4."
These statements are true regardless of whether anyone believes them, knows them, or even exists.
What is Intersubjective?
An intersubjective statement depends for its truth on the mental states of multiple people. This implies that its truth is established through a collective agreement, shared understanding, or common interpretation among a group. While not universal like objective truth, intersubjective truth transcends individual subjectivity by being collectively acknowledged.
Examples of Intersubjective Statements:
- "The U.S. dollar is a valid form of currency." (Its value and acceptance are based on shared agreement among users and institutions.)
- "Chess is a game where the queen can move any number of squares horizontally, vertically, or diagonally." (The rules of chess are true because a community of players agrees upon them.)
- "The speed limit on this road is 50 mph." (Laws and regulations are intersubjective truths, as they derive their validity from collective recognition and enforcement within a society.)
What is Subjective?
While not the primary focus of the question, understanding 'subjective' provides a complete picture. A subjective statement depends for its truth on the mental states of someone. This means its truth is personal and based on an individual's feelings, opinions, or experiences.
Examples of Subjective Statements:
- "Vanilla ice cream is the best flavor."
- "This painting is beautiful."
- "I feel tired."
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Objective | Intersubjective | Subjective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truth Basis | Independent of mental states | Depends on mental states of multiple people | Depends on mental states of one person |
| Dependence | None | Collective agreement/shared understanding | Individual perception/opinion |
| Verifiability | Universal, empirical, logical | Socially constructed, culturally bound | Personal, experiential |
| Examples | Laws of physics, mathematical facts | Social norms, laws, money, language, rules | Personal preferences, feelings, tastes |
| Scope | Universal | Group-specific (cultural, societal) | Individual |
Practical Implications and Insights
The distinction between objective and intersubjective is crucial across various fields, including philosophy, sociology, economics, and even daily communication.
- Science and Research: Scientific inquiry primarily aims for objective truths, striving for findings that are independent of observer bias. However, even within science, certain paradigms or interpretations can have intersubjective elements (e.g., agreed-upon methodologies or peer consensus on what constitutes "valid" evidence).
- Social Sciences: Concepts like "justice," "rights," or "nation" are largely intersubjective. Their meaning and power derive from shared human agreement and collective belief within a society. Understanding this helps analyze societal structures and conflicts.
- Economics: The value of currency, stocks, or commodities is a prime example of intersubjective truth. While they have objective properties (e.g., a physical dollar bill), their value is upheld by a collective belief in their worth and utility within an economic system.
- Law and Ethics: Laws are intersubjective constructs—their authority and application depend on collective agreement and enforcement within a legal system. Ethical principles often navigate between individual subjective morality and intersubjective societal norms.
Recognizing these distinctions helps us navigate complex discussions, understand the basis of different types of knowledge, and appreciate how truth is constructed and perceived in various contexts.
