- OBJECTIVITY VS.SUBJECTIVITY: One of the main ideas defended by existentialists is the importance of
the ‘subjective’ – as opposed to ‘objective’ – viewpoint. Compare and contrast the views of Nagel, Kirchin, and
Kierkegaard on this topic, making sure to address at least the following points: [NOTE: Kirchin’s views are
mainly related to just (1a) below.]
Explanation of the general debate:
(1) What is meant by the terms‘ objective ’/ ‘objectivity’ vs.‘subjective’/‘subjectivity in general?
(2) What is the overall conflict between the ‘objective’ and ‘subjective viewpoints? More specifically, why have
many philosophers traditionally believed that the ‘objective’ viewpoint is somehow superior to the ‘subjective’
viewpoint and/or view the ‘subjective’ viewpoint with great suspicion?
Exposition of the thinkers’ views: What are Nagel’s and Kierkegaard’s views about the nature of ‘objectivity’
and ‘subjectivity’?
(1) What do Nagel and Kierkegaard respectively think is the nature of objectivity/objective truths vs.
subjectivity/subjective truths?
(2) What are some of the main ways we can think about the overall relationship between the ‘objective
viewpoint’/objective truths vs. the ‘subjective viewpoint’/subjective truths in general? And what do Nagel and
Kierkegaard respectively believe is the best way to think about these matters?
(3) What are 2-3ways in which Nagel’s andKierkegaard’s views are similar?
(4) What are 2-3 ways in which Nagel’s and Kierkegaard’s views are different?
Sample Solution