How does critical theory challenge traditional notions of objectivity - Essay Example

Criticisms of critical theory to traditional notions of objectivity Objectivity The virtue of objectivity hasbeen very controversial among various scholars. In essence, different scholars have come up with different principles to explain objectivity. Generally, objectivity can be described as the practice of being impartial when giving judgment to things that revolve around us (Gelmon, Billig, & International Service-Learning Research Conference, 2007).Many models have been developed to criticise the traditional notion of objectivity.

The critical theory is among the concepts that have emerged to criticise the philosophy of objectivity (Freedman, 2000). The critical theory borrows from sociology and humanity to evaluate and explain life issues.The critical theory holds that the philosophy of objectivity is irrational since it can never exist in the real world situation (Goldstein, 2001). In essence, the supporters of the critical theory argue that human beings can never portray perfect objectivity since everyone has some degree of prejudice.

The issue of rationality, as described by Max Weber in his works, raised heightened concern with critical theory philosophers. Malott (2011) states that Weber holds that objectivity builds rationalism in people’s thinking and decision-making capabilities. However, Weberian objectivists critique discredits this argument by asserting that objectivity results in accumulation of power by just a few individuals, and it does not give a uniform ground for airing personal views (Bonefeld, 2014) . In essence, the critical theory pictures objectivity as a crude weapon to eliminate marginal voice from the dominant culture.

In summary, the philosophy of objectivity has been criticised from different perspectives. In essence, most scholars view objectivity as a threat to the minority groups since they are left with no say. A critical analysis of the practice of objectivity depicts several flaws that have not been given credible explanations.Reference list:Bonefeld, W. (2014). Critical theory and the critique of political economy: On subversion and negative reason. New York: Bloomsbury Academic.Freedman, C. H. (2000).

 Critical theory and science fiction. Hanover, N.H: Univ. Press of New England.Gelmon, S. B., Billig, S., & International Service-Learning Research Conference. (2007).From passion to objectivity: International and cross-disciplinary perspectives on service- learning research. Charlotte, N.C: IAP/Information Age Pub.Goldstein, P. (2001). Communities of cultural value: Reception study, political differences, and literary history. Lanham [u.a.: Lexington Books.Malott, C. (2011). Critical Pedagogy and Cognition: An Introduction to a Postformal Educational Psychology.

(Critical Pedagogy and Cognition.) Berlin: Springer Netherland.