Objectivity Orthodoxy

The established, institutionalized set of beliefs about objectivity that dominate Western epistemology and practice—the often-unexamined assumptions that objectivity is possible, that it requires detachment, that it's achieved through method, that objective knowledge is superior, and that objectivity is the standard to which all inquiry should aspire. Objectivity orthodoxy includes specific commitments: that the knower can be separated from the known, that bias can be eliminated, that neutral observation is possible, that quantification enhances objectivity, that subjective experience is suspect. Like all orthodoxies, it provides a framework for epistemic evaluation, but it functions as ideology when it becomes dogmatic—making a particular conception of objectivity seem like the only conception, obscuring how claims to objectivity often serve power, and delegitimizing alternative epistemic values (subjectivity, positionality, engagement). Objectivity orthodoxy determines what knowledge is considered "reliable," what methods are "rigorous," and who counts as "objective" versus "biased."

Example: "He claimed his view was objective and hers was biased—not because he'd examined his own position, but because objectivity orthodoxy had made his perspective invisible to himself. The orthodoxy's power is making particular positions feel like the view from nowhere."

by Dumu The Void March 17, 2026

Objectivism

Definition:
Objectivism (n.) — the philosophy which explicitly recognizes and consistently applies the primacy of existence in every branch of philosophical inquiry.

Etymology:
From "objective" (Latin objectivus, “considered in relation to an object,” from objectum, “that which is thrown before the mind”) + -ism (denoting a system or doctrine). Coined by Ayn Rand (1905–1982) to name her integrated philosophical system based on objective reality.

“Objectivism rejects all forms of mysticism and subjectivism by upholding reason as man’s only means of knowledge, a consequence of its fundamental premise: the primacy of existence.”

by Cynical Corgi November 9, 2025

Polarized Objectivity

When you don't know what to write about in your executive summary and your third group member refuses to do anything so you just make some bullshit up to make it sound like you know what you are talking about.

The factor of speed has not been addressed yet in the article, as its importance is subjected to the user, rather than being something that has polarized objectivity.

by lipoicacid April 13, 2025

Polarized Objectivity

When you don't know what to write about in your executive summary and your third group member refuses to do anything so you just make some bullshit up to make it sound like you know what you are talking about.

The factor of speed has not been addressed yet in the article, as its importance is subjected to the user, rather than being something that has polarized objectivity.

by lipoicacid April 13, 2025

Evidence Objectivity Bias

A variation of objectivity bias where something only counts as evidence if the person making the judgment says it's evidence. "That's not evidence because I say so." The bias replaces objective standards of evidence with personal fiat, making the individual the sole arbiter of what counts as proof. Evidence Objectivity Bias is what allows conspiracy theorists to dismiss mountains of data while accepting a single tweet as proof. It's what allows bad-faith arguers to demand evidence, then reject it, then demand different evidence, then reject that—because the real standard is not evidence but agreement. If you agree with me, your evidence counts; if you don't, it doesn't. The bias is the "because I said so" of epistemology, the final refuge of those who have no arguments left.

Example: "She provided study after study showing vaccine safety. He dismissed each one with Evidence Objectivity Bias: 'That's not real evidence.' When she asked what would count, he said 'I'll know it when I see it.' He never saw it. The bias had made him the sole judge of what counts as proof—and his judgment was that nothing that disagreed with him could ever count. Evidence wasn't the issue; control was."

by Dumu The Void February 20, 2026

Logical Objectivity Bias

A variation of objectivity bias where something only counts as logical if the person making the judgment says it's logical. "That's not logical because I say so." The bias replaces logical standards with personal authority, making the individual the arbiter of reason itself. Logical Objectivity Bias is what allows people to reject valid arguments as "illogical" while accepting obvious fallacies from their own side. It's what makes debate impossible because the standards shift constantly—what's logical is whatever supports my position; what's illogical is whatever challenges it. The bias is the ultimate expression of epistemic narcissism: not just believing you're right, but believing you're the definition of rightness.

Example: "He presented a perfectly valid syllogism. She responded with Logical Objectivity Bias: 'That's not logical.' No explanation, no reasoning—just declaration. When he asked what made it illogical, she said 'It just is.' The bias had made her the sole judge of logic, and her judgment was that anything she disagreed with was automatically unreasonable. Reason wasn't the issue; authority was."

by Dumu The Void February 20, 2026

Imposter Objectivity Bias

The cognitive trap where someone believes they are being perfectly objective precisely because they are aware of their own flaws and limitations. It's the inverse of regular bias: instead of thinking "I'm right because I'm rational," the Imposter Objectivist thinks "I'm right because I know I might be wrong, therefore my constant self-doubt makes me more objective than you." This creates a smug meta-bias where humility becomes a shield against criticism. They wave their acknowledged limitations like a magic wand, as if admitting you could be biased means you automatically aren't.

"I'm not biased, I constantly question my own assumptions!" he said, while refusing to consider a single opposing viewpoint. That's Imposter Objectivity Bias—using the performance of self-doubt to avoid actual self-examination.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 22, 2026