Objectivity: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions Book 316)

by Stephen Gaukroger

This development dates from no earlier than the start of the 19th century, when the West’s conception of its superiority shifted from its religion – Christianity – to its science.

reduction of decision-making to quantification and measurement, and the exclusion

anything that cannot be treated in these terms – is a prime culprit here.

This is a widespread misunderstanding and a dangerous one.

The idea of prejudices and biases carries connotations of distortion, whereas that of assumptions and values need not. One way to think of the difference is that,