Subjective and objective are two contrasting terms that are often used to describe different perspectives or approaches to understanding the world.
Understanding the difference between subjective and objective is crucial for effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making.
By recognizing the distinction between these two perspectives, we can better evaluate information, make informed decisions, and communicate more effectively.
What Does Subjective Mean?
Subjective refers to a perspective that is influenced by personal opinions, feelings, beliefs, and experiences.
It is inherently biased and varies from person to person.
Subjective statements or judgments are not necessarily based on facts or evidence but are shaped by individual perceptions and interpretations.
For example, saying “The movie was amazing” is a subjective statement because it reflects personal opinion and may not be universally agreed upon.
What is Subjective Writing?
Subjective writing is a style of writing that is based on personal opinions, feelings, and interpretations.
It is often used in creative writing, personal essays, and opinion pieces.
This type of writing allows the author to express their own thoughts and emotions, rather than relying on factual information.
Subjective writing can be more engaging and relatable, as it often reflects the author’s unique perspective and experiences.
However, it can also be less reliable, as it is not always based on objective evidence.
What Does Objective Mean?
Objective refers to a perspective that is based on facts, evidence, and reality.
It is free from personal biases, emotions, and interpretations.
Objective statements or judgments are consistent and can be verified by others.
For example, saying “The earth revolves around the sun” is an objective statement because it is a fact that can be proven and is universally accepted.
What is Objective Writing?
Objective writing is a style of writing that is based on facts, evidence, and logical reasoning.
It is often used in academic writing, journalism, and scientific reports.
This type of writing aims to present information in a clear and unbiased manner, allowing the reader to form their own conclusions.
Objective writing is more reliable and trustworthy, as it is based on verifiable evidence.
However, it can also be less engaging, as it may lack the personal touch and emotional appeal of subjective writing.
Subjective vs Objective
| Aspect | Subjective | Objective |
| Definition | Based on personal opinions, feelings, and interpretations | Based on facts, evidence, and reality |
| Nature | Biased and varies from person to person | Unbiased and consistent |
| Examples | “I think this painting is beautiful.” | “The painting was created in the 19th century.” |
| Use in writing | Personal essays, opinion pieces, creative writing | Academic writing, journalism, scientific reports |
| Reliability | Less reliable, as it is not always based on objective evidence | More reliable, as it is based on verifiable evidence |
Conclusion
In summary, subjective and objective are two contrasting perspectives that play a crucial role in how we perceive and interpret information.
While subjective perspectives are influenced by personal opinions and emotions, objective perspectives are based on facts and evidence.
Understanding the difference between these two perspectives is essential for effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making.
Whether you are writing an essay, analyzing a situation, or making a decision, being aware of the distinction between subjective and objective can help you make more informed and balanced judgments.