Subjectivity and Objectivity: Understanding the Dance Between Perception and Awareness

When we delve into the realms of philosophy and consciousness, questions about the existence and nature of subjectivity and objectivity often arise. The relationship between the two is complex and intertwined, much like the paradox of a subject perceiving its own objectivity. In this exploration, we will analyze the essence of these concepts and their impacts on our understanding of self and others.

The Complexity of Subjectivity

Subjectivity is often seen as something deeply personal, an aspect of the self that is unique and individual. However, it is crucial to recognize that even subjectivity has nuances. When we talk about a 'subject', we are not just discussing an entity that perceives or experiences, but also a verb - an active process that involves influencing and shaping the world around it. This duality is highlighted in the sentence 'I made a program once to write my songs for me,' where the subject (the 'I') is both the creator and the beneficiary of the creation.

The Role of Technology in Subjectivity

The story of the program that wrote songs serves as a fascinating metaphor for subjectivity and its relation to objectivity. The program, albeit a tool, was designed to mimic the creative intuition of a human, combining both rule-based and random elements. When the output was initially presented, it lacked immediate recognition until a human intervened to process the musical schema. This process emphasizes the ongoing need for human intervention and appreciation in both technology and art.

Challenging the Concept of 'Human'

The challenges posed by the program's output question our fundamental understanding of what it means to be human. If our intuition and creative process can be replicated by a machine, does that diminish our humanity? Not necessarily, as long as we recognize that the emotional and subjective experience remains beyond the reach of algorithms. The article suggests that even if a machine were capable of caring, it would still only care from its own subjective perspective, which is inherently different from human empathy.

The Objectivity of Subjectivity

The inherent subjectivity of human perception implies that our understanding of the world is colored by our individual experiences. However, this does not mean that subjectivity is isolated or absolute. It is in fact, deeply intertwined with objectivity. The article proposes that subjectivity becomes objectivity when it is shared and understood by others. This perspective aligns with the idea that the 'Subject' is just a counter-illusion that emerges alongside the perception of objects. Essentially, subjectivity is the foundation upon which objectivity is built.

The Role of Music in Subject-Object Relationships

Music serves as an excellent metaphor for the interplay between subjectivity and objectivity. The program's output can be seen as a musical schema, and the human interpretation as the life schema. While the machine can create the musical schema, it relies on the human to map emotional and life schemas, making it subjectively meaningful. Similarly, music can be a representation of life schemas, providing a shared framework for understanding and connecting to the world.

Shifting Perspectives and Moving Forward

The article concludes by highlighting the cyclical nature of subjectivity and objectivity. Just as a computer can be made to care, and just as subjectivity can be expressed through a wide range of experiences, so too can we shift our perspectives and find new ways to appreciate and understand ourselves and others. The key is to embrace the complexity and interdependence of both subjectivity and objectivity, recognizing that both are necessary components of the human experience.

Conclusion

Understanding the nature of subjectivity and objectivity is crucial for navigating the complexities of human consciousness and relationships. While subjectivity provides the unique lens through which we view the world, objectivity ensures that we can connect and share these perspectives. By embracing the dance between subjectivity and objectivity, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the intricate nature of human experience.