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.
It was the voice of mad seas, roaring immense,/ That shattered your infant breast, too soft, too human.
Tis not, 'my country right or wrong'; tis, 'my country, that which is right to be kept right, that which is wrong to be set right'
If a conservative order is indeed to return, we ought to know the tradition which is attached to it, so that we may rebuild society; if it is not to be restored, still we ought to understand conservative ideas so that we may rake from the ashes what scorched fragments of civilizations escape the conflagration of unchecked will and appetite.
Money must serve, not rule! The Pope loves everyone, rich and poor alike, but he is obliged in the name of Christ to remind all that the rich must help, respect and promote the poor. I exhort you to generous solidarity and a return of economics and finance to an ethical approach which favours human beings.
Things do exist that are worth standing up for without compromise. To me it seems that peace and social justice are such things, as is Christ himself.
Vladimir: I don't understand. Estragon: Use your intelligence, can't you? Vladimir uses his intelligence. Vladimir: (finally) I remain in the dark.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.