For centuries, objectivity has been seen as the gold standard of knowledge—especially in science, journalism, and law. To be objective is to be neutral, unbiased, and detached from emotion. But in recent decades, philosophers, historians, and social theorists have begun to question whether true objectivity is even possible—or whether it has always been, to some degree, an illusion.
The idea of objective truth gained strength during the Enlightenment, when thinkers like Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton promoted empirical observation as the foundation of knowledge. Their belief was that with careful experimentation and reason, humans could discover truths that were universal and independent of personal perspective. This confidence shaped modern science and continues to influence how we define facts.
However, in the 20th century, challenges to this notion emerged. The philosopher Thomas Kuhn argued that science advances not through steady accumulation of facts, but through paradigm shifts—radical changes in how we interpret data. According to Kuhn, what we consider to be 'truth' is shaped by the dominant frameworks of the time, meaning that objectivity is always filtered through context.
Similarly, feminist scholars and postcolonial thinkers have pointed out that many so-called objective systems of knowledge have historically excluded voices based on gender, race, or geography. They argue that knowledge is not simply discovered—it is constructed, often reflecting the values and power structures of those who produce it.
This does not mean that all knowledge is equally valid or that facts are purely subjective. Rather, it encourages a more critical view: to ask who is speaking, whose voices are missing, and what assumptions shape our understanding. Objectivity may still be a valuable goal—but one that must be pursued with humility, awareness, and a willingness to question even our most trusted systems of thought.
Q1: What is the central idea of the passage?
Q2: What did Thomas Kuhn argue about scientific progress?
Q3: How do the views of feminist and postcolonial scholars expand the critique of objectivity?
Q4: What can be inferred about the author’s view of objectivity?
Q5: What does the word 'paradigm' most likely mean in the sentence: 'According to Kuhn, what we consider to be “truth” is shaped by the dominant frameworks of the time, meaning that objectivity is always filtered through context'?
Printable Comprehension Practice
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Q1: What is the central idea of the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage explores the evolution of objectivity as a concept, showing how it is influenced by time, perspective, and power structures.
Q2: What did Thomas Kuhn argue about scientific progress?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Kuhn introduced the idea that science evolves through paradigm shifts, challenging the notion of objective, linear progress.
Q3: How do the views of feminist and postcolonial scholars expand the critique of objectivity?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: These scholars highlight how dominant systems of knowledge have been shaped by social hierarchies and exclusions, complicating the idea of neutrality.
Q4: What can be inferred about the author’s view of objectivity?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The author critiques objectivity as incomplete, but also acknowledges its value when pursued critically and with self-awareness.
Q5: What does the word 'paradigm' most likely mean in the sentence: 'According to Kuhn, what we consider to be “truth” is shaped by the dominant frameworks of the time, meaning that objectivity is always filtered through context'?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Kuhn’s theory revolves around the idea that prevailing models of thought (paradigms) shape how people interpret data and truth.