The subjectivist states his judgements, whereas the objectivist sweeps them under the carpet by calling assumptions knowledge, and he basks in the glorious objectivity of science.
Interpretation
This quote contrasts subjectivism and objectivism in judgments and knowledge.
I. J. Good's quote highlights the difference between subjectivists, who openly acknowledge their judgments and perspectives, and objectivists, who often mask their assumptions as objective knowledge. It suggests that while objectivists may pride themselves on their scientific approach, they may overlook the inherent biases that come with their assumptions.
In practice
During a philosophy seminar discussing different approaches to knowledge, this quote can highlight the importance of acknowledging personal biases.
Let an ultraintelligent machine be defined as a machine that can far surpass all the intellectual activities of any man however clever. Since the design of machines is one of these intellectual activities, an ultraintelligent machine could design even better machines; there would then unquestionably be an 'intelligence explosion,' and the intelligence of man would be left far behind. Thus the first ultraintelligent machine is the last invention that man need ever make.
The fact of the matter is that the 'real world' is to a large extent unconsciously built up on the language habits of the group.
Whence, then, this worship of the past? The centuries are conspirators against the sanity and authority of the soul.
I would like to express the thoughts of a man who, having finally penetrated the partitions and ceilings of little countries, little coteries, little sects, rises above all these categories and finds himself a child and citizen of the Earth.
I have a great mind to believe in Christianity for the mere pleasure of fancying I may be damned.
Time drops in decay Like a candle burnt out. And the mountains and woods Have their day, have their day; But, kindly old rout Of the fire-born moods, You pass not away.
When there is in nature no fixed condition, how much less must there be in the life of a people, beings endowed with mobility and movement!
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