The subjectivist states his judgements, whereas the objectivist sweeps them under the carpet by calling assumptions knowledge, and he basks in the glorious objectivity of science.
Interpretation
This quote contrasts subjectivism and objectivism in judgments and knowledge.
I. J. Good's quote highlights the difference between subjectivists, who openly acknowledge their judgments and perspectives, and objectivists, who often mask their assumptions as objective knowledge. It suggests that while objectivists may pride themselves on their scientific approach, they may overlook the inherent biases that come with their assumptions.
In practice
During a philosophy seminar discussing different approaches to knowledge, this quote can highlight the importance of acknowledging personal biases.
Let an ultraintelligent machine be defined as a machine that can far surpass all the intellectual activities of any man however clever. Since the design of machines is one of these intellectual activities, an ultraintelligent machine could design even better machines; there would then unquestionably be an 'intelligence explosion,' and the intelligence of man would be left far behind. Thus the first ultraintelligent machine is the last invention that man need ever make.
Mary's greatness consists in the fact that she wants to magnify God, not herself.
If the whole earth is infinitely small in comparison with the sphere of the stars, what is man compared with all these created beings!
Responsibility, n. A detachable burden easily shifted to the shoulders of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck or one's neighbor. In the days of astrology it was customary to unload it upon a star.
God created man in His own image, says the Bible; philosophers reverse the process: they create God in theirs.
One should see the world, and see himself as a scale with an equal balance of good and evil. When he does one good deed the scale is tipped to the good - he and the world is saved. When he does one evil deed the scale is tipped to the bad - he and the world is destroyed.
Inside me is the same desperate hope I have watching the ravenous dead and thinking, Oh please, oh please, oh please. The craving inside of me is to be clutched at by some dead girl. To put my ear to her chest and hear nothing. Even getting munched on by zombies beats the idea that I'm only flesh and blood, skin and bone. Demon or angel or evil spirit, I just need something to show itself. Ghoulie or ghosty or long-legged beastie, I just want my hand held.
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