Objektivitet/subjektivitet fænomenologisk betragtet

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SUMMARY

Characteristic features of distinctions of the kind expressed in Gibsons field/world-distinction are used as a point of departure for a characterization of two different models for the use of the terms “objectivity” and “subjectivity”: a continuum model and a relational model. Attention is drawn to the relational model because of its direct reference to the dualism of the everyday mode of thought. It is stressed that the function of this dualistic principle is a phenomenological fact characterizing everyday cognitive functioning, and it is pointed out, that this fact may be understood in terms of economy of thought. A logical connection with the principle of level-difference in the phenomenology of E. Tranekjær Rasmussen is demonstrated, and a new aspect of the relativism of the level-difference principle is elaborated. A common philosophical misinterpretation of the phenomenology of E. Tranekjær Rasmussen is discussed in the light of this additional relativity.

The consequences, for science in general, of absolutistic conceptualizations on different philosophical levels are discussed, and it is asserted that while absolutistic thinking—following from an aphilosophical attitude toward science—does not necessarily injure the practical work of experimentation, higher level absolutism inevitably leads to metaphysical extravagances.

In conclusion it is pointed out how two kinds of philosophically higher level absolutisms in the conceptualization of psychology in different ways invite political and other abuses. The realistic absolutism makes a dogmatic, authoritarian use of psychological findings possible, while the absolutistic, idealistic parody of relativism,—declaring every truth as good as another—makes psychology totally faceless. usable and abusable to everyone for every purpose. The use of psychology as a political factor is seen as inevitable and its conceptualization in terms of anti-metaphysical relativism is seen as the only way to avoid its abuse.