The following five questions seem to me to be the key questions that objectivity theories must answer. I include brief explanations of the questions that might not be self-explanatory. Soon I will include answers given by various thinkers. Back to Objectivity Home Page 1. The difference between the metaphysical and epistemic notions of objectivity have to do with what the bearers of the property of objectivity are.
Philosophers working on the theory of color seem to employ a metaphysical notion of objectivity.
In contrast, on the epistemic conception of objectivity, only judgments, beliefs, etc. are the bearers of objectivity. Thus, for instance, the judgment that the moon has no atmosphere may count as an objective judgment, whereas my judgment that vanilla is the best ice cream flavor is subjective. In other words, we place ourselves in the world that is to be understood. The old view then comes to be regarded as an appearance, more subjective than the new view, and correctable or confirmable by reference to it. Thus indicating that he holds a metarepresentational theory of objectivity.