Objectivity–An urgently needed new approach

68Objectivity has come to be regarded as a prime ingredient of
reliable knowledge. But what is objectivity, how has it arisen,
and is the notion in need of reform? In this episode of the
Sheldrake-Vernon Dialogues, Rupert and Mark consider the recent
work of the philosopher, Richard Gunton. With colleagues, Richard
examines older understandings of objectivity in science and
proposes an alternative which is truer to scientific work. In
particular, the reductive idea that links objectivity with
replication seems increasingly untenable, given the replication
crisis in science. Instead, linking objectivity to representation
provides a fruitful way forward.Rupert and Mark consider facets
of the history of science, not least the difference between
so-called primary and secondary qualities, as well as how science
is actually carried out, with the role that imagination and
aesthetics bring to innovation and insight. Might a new notion of
objectivity be not only good for science but also become part of
overcoming modern alienation from the world? Richard Gunton’s
paper is co-authored with Marinus Stafleu and Michael Reiss and
is entitled:

A General Theory of Objectivity: Contributions from the
Reformational Philosophy Tradition
https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10153750/3/Reiss_A%20General%20Theory%20of%20Objectivity_AAM.pdf