Objectivity & subjectivity

The issue of objectivity and subjectivity in professional practice is a complex one because, at one and the same time we, collectively in society and individually as clients, have to be assured that the significant judgements professionals are often making on our behalf are sound and also relate to our individual needs. We are considering further the nature of thinking and experience in professional practice. The questions of objectivity and subjectivity give rise to further questions. What can be termed your 'unquestioned beliefs' that underpin your practice? These assumptions are a necessary part of the expertise we bring to a professional task but there is a danger of them becoming either outmoded or simply reflecting personal beliefs or potential prejudices if we do not have the opportunity to expose and critique these beliefs.

In empirical thinking, which has influenced social sciences, there is a tendency to privilege objectivity over subjectivity. However, more recent discussions have emphasises the importance of subjectivity and experience when we are dealing with human behaviour. In this section we are going to consider Habermas's treatment of the role of experience and the issue of subjectivity and objectivity.