Subjective vs Objective: Difference Between Subjective and Objective
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
Subjective vs Objective: The fundamental difference between Subjective and Objective is that Subjective means making assumptions based on personal opinions, while Objective means making an unbiased, balanced observation based on facts. Human conception and thoughts are hard to categorize as they can be simple/ complex, or both. Often, it depends on the context and situation as we try to segregate them into objective or subjective or even an amalgamation of both.
Difference Between Subjective and Objective PDF
Learning Subjective vs Objective comparative analysis can be perplexing; hence for ease of understanding, we have also mentioned examples for both Objectivity and Subjectivity. This article on the difference between Subjective and Objective discusses their meaning and definition and also demonstrates a comparative analysis of the two to have a clear insight into the two terminologies.
Table of content
Difference Between Subjective and Objective
Subjective may or may not be objective, but objective can never be subjective. For example, “climbing mountains is a difficult task” is a subjective statement that may also be objective.
However, “Mount Everest is the highest peak” is an objective statement. The major difference between subjective and objective are elaborated in tabular form below.
Subjective vs Objective
|
Difference Between Subjective and Objective |
|
|
Objective |
Subjective |
|
Objective refers to any view, opinion, judgment, observation, or perception based on empirical, verifiable, and factual data. It is free from personal experiences, preferences, assumptions, biases, emotions, beliefs, or tastes. |
Subjective refers to any view, opinion, judgment, observation, or perception based on personal experiences, preferences, assumptions, biases, emotions, beliefs, or tastes. |
|
It can be verified factually through experiments or empirical methods at any time. |
It may or may not be factually verifiable through experiments or empirical methods. |
|
It does not leave any scope for interpretation. |
It differs from individual to individual. Hence, there is greater scope for interpretations. |
|
It is static and value-neutral. |
It is dynamic and value-embedded. |
|
It is mechanical in approach. |
It is humanistic in approach. |
|
It strives to be rational. |
It may or may not be irrational. |
|
For example, universal truths such as “there are seven days in a week.” |
For example, personal opinions, assumptions, perceptions, beliefs, etc., such as, “vacations are good for mental health.” |
Subjective and Objective
Objective information is based on unbiased and factual data. Whereas subjective statements are biased and based on opinions and interpretations. Read further to know the exact meaning and definition of Subjective and Objective. An example of Subjective vs Objective is:
- The Santhal are the largest, and one of the oldest tribes in India is an objective statement as it is a fact and has been known for years.
- That man is a monster is subjective since the opinion may vary from person to person.
Objectivity vs Subjectivity in Assessment
Human perception and opinions range from objective to subjective. Scholars employ the concept of objective and subjective in diverse fields. It makes it imperative to understand the Difference Between Objective and Subjective.
- Objective statements are veracious facts free from adulteration.
- However, subjective assertions are unempirical statements having ample scope for misinterpretation based on individual experiences, assumptions, beliefs, and biases.
- Also, subjective may or may not be objective, but objective can never be subjective.
What is Subjective?
It refers to any view, opinion, judgment, observation, or perception based on personal experiences, preferences, assumptions, biases, emotions, beliefs, or tastes. Its characteristics are:
- One can or cannot prove it empirically every time, which may or may not present an accurate depiction.
- The result could be skewed, diluted, and unfit for objective purposes.
- Subjective perception differs among the masses.
- Hence, it is open to infinite interpretations.
- For example, notions about morals and ethics are subjective.
What is Objective?
It refers to any view, opinion, judgment, observation, or perception based on empirical, verifiable, and factual data. Its characteristics are:
- Anyone can establish its veracity anytime.
- It is unbiased and critical.
- It is unadulterated by emotions, feelings, biases, beliefs, personal experiences, and preferences.
- It stands concrete in every situation.
- It attempts to offer a true and accurate output, strictly confined to authenticity and empiricism.
- For example, universal truths such as the earth revolve around the sun.
Conclusion:
Subjective vs Objective – Key Differences
The key Difference Between Subjective and Objective is that Subjective refers to any opinion, assessment, or perception based on individual experiences, priorities, inferences, biases, etc., whereas Objective refers to any opinion or conclusion based on practical and authentic data.
