The Cruelty of Objectivity  

Abstract

Is there an element of any objective thought process that involves cruelty? Or rather, do some of those who are well-versed in thinking in a so-called objective way enjoy this process? Being objective, especially when in discussion with less objective, or even less argumentative person, can be like playing a game with someone who doesn't know the rules. In addition, one of the main advantages of being able to consider things, including oneself, even partially objectively is that one has to have overcome many of the weaknesses and fragilities that so often characterise non-objective discussion. There are clearly those who take pleasure in trying to expose these weaknesses. But even amongst those who do not take direct pleasure in such things, is there not a kind of cruelty in what one thinks of as the precision of the correct argument - indeed the use of argument to consider different viewpoints, the use of one's fellow human beings as echo chambers - evaluating how they react to an argument, evaluating any counter arguments, sharpening the knife...

There is little doubt that the ability to think objectively about any subject, but especially oneself, is an invaluable tool, perhaps the most valuable tool one can possess. However, is there a price for it - a certain detachment, an isolation from others. And of the ways in which these people try to overcome this isolation - art, science, knowledge - is not one of them a desire to use this ability cruelly?