Objective Statements

Objective Statements (What)

An objective statement is a statement whose truth value is determined by direct methods rather than the opinions of other people.

When an objective statement is true (or false), it is true (or false) universally, regardless of individual perspectives.

The truth value of an objective statement can be determined or verified by multiple independent observers using evidence.

The truth value of an objective statement does not depend on how many people believe it to be true or false. Instead, it is evaluated based on the available evidence for and against it.

Analysis

Here is a breakdown of the main ideas in the definition.

Statement

A declarative sentence in written or oral form that expresses a complete thought.

Truth Value

The truth value of a statement is either true or false. Note: This convention from classical logic works most of the time. There are other forms of logic to handle edge cases.

Direct Methods

Here, a direct method is any method that people can use to figure out what is true and what is not. Examples: observation, measurement, experiment, calculation, math-model, survey, methods used by detectives, investigative journalism, and so on. Note: Most direct methods introduce some level of subjectivity.

Evidence

Evidence is information obtained directly through the five senses or indirectly through tools that extend sensory perception (e.g., microscopes, thermometers, or sensors).

Examples

  1. The earth is round.

  2. Water boils at 100°C at sea level.

  3. Obama was born in the US. Note: Many people believe that this statement is false (or true). However, its truth value is independent of anyone’s belief.

  4. Ice melts at 0°C under standard atmospheric conditions.

  5. Humans need oxygen to survive.

Objective statements do not need to be true. Here are some examples of objective statements that are untrue. That is, their truth values are false.

  1. You can use salt water in place of gasoline in a car.

  2. The moon is made of green cheese.

  3. The diameter of a #10 machine screw is 0.10 inches.

Rationale

Here are some reasons why it is worthwhile to be skilled with validating and using objective statements.

  1. Get an accurate view of reality. Believe things that are true. Do not believe falsehoods.

  2. Figure out the best actions to take.

  3. Do not propagate false or misleading information to your friends, family, colleagues, and others.

Skilled Use of Objective Statements (How To)

Principles

  1. Check objective statements against the evidence. Look at evidence for (and objections) and evidence against (and objections).

  2. Reject statements that cannot be proven true or false. This includes statements that cannot be proven as either true or false.

Framework

  1. Classify all claims into two buckets or categories.
    1. Objective: The truth value is established by direct means
    2. Subjective: The claim is true for some people, but not for others. The justification for a subjective claim is for the claim holder to give their reasons for and reasons against.
  2. For objective claims
    1. Direct Method: Find the evidence for and against; weigh these.
    2. Indirect Method: Find people who have skillfully weighed the evidence and look for a plurality from these people.
      1. Select people with the skill sets to weigh evidence.
      2. Also, ask what evidence that they are using. That is, seek to understand how they arrived at their conclusions.