The Objectivity Assumption

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Figure 1. Rene Descartes quote on Naive Realism

The assumption of objectivity otherwise known as "bias blind spot" or "naïve realism" in humans is a prevalent cognitive bias that stems from our tendency to believe that our perceptions and beliefs are accurate, objective reflections of reality. We tend to think that we see the world as it is, not realizing that our perceptions are influenced by our personal experiences, beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and cognitive processes. There are several reasons why this assumption is so prevalent. First, it's a natural outcome of how our brains process information. Our brains take in information from our senses and construct a model of the world that feels objective and real to us. This model helps us navigate the world and make decisions, so it's beneficial for our survival and success.

Second, acknowledging that our perceptions are subjective can be uncomfortable and can cause cognitive dissonance. It introduces uncertainty and can challenge our sense of self and our beliefs. Therefore, we often resist acknowledging our biases and maintain the belief in our objectivity.

Finally, societal norms and structures often reinforce the assumption of objectivity through the Status Quo Bias. For example, in many cultures, people are rewarded for being confident and certain, which can discourage people from questioning their own perceptions and beliefs.

However, it's important to note that while we all have biases and our perceptions are inherently subjective, this doesn't mean that all perceptions are equally valid or that objective truth doesn't exist. It simply means that achieving a more objective understanding of the world often requires us to actively acknowledge and challenge our cognitive biases.