1
$\begingroup$

Consider the following quotation by Poulain de la Barre:

Everything that has been written by men about women should be viewed with suspicion, because they are both judge and party.

Is it possible to be completely impartial when considering yourself, or matters in which you have a significant vested interest, or will one always be biased?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ is it possible to be completely impartial period? $\endgroup$
    – honi
    Commented Feb 15, 2016 at 20:35
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ The only way to be truly impartial is to not have anything to gain from agreeing with either side and have no bias towards either. So being the thing that is discussed essentially renders you unable to be impartial $\endgroup$
    – P.Lord
    Commented May 17, 2019 at 12:16
  • $\begingroup$ Prejudice (pre-judging) is not only a problem, it's also a fundamental aspect of cognition and behavior. We would be terribly inefficient if we needed to collect full data in every situation before deciding what actions meant. Can you clarify what impartial means? For example, is it the absence of stereotypes or attributions about demographics? $\endgroup$
    – Cameron Brick
    Commented May 17, 2019 at 15:15

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

For most people, I would say no, they lack the self-awareness and self-control to be able to make such a judgement. Those who have practiced a good amount of meditation would, on average, be better candidates. Moreover, nearly anyone experiencing strong emotions would have extra trouble thinking objectively and detached from personal interest. Those who can turn their emotions off would be better candidates.

Another method to consider is creating an objective measuring system that does not rely on subjective information. Technology or strict definitions may be needed for the method to be reliably applicable. If the person making the measurement system created it with the intent to use on others, it could be good to use back on the creator. Some simple examples here are those measurement systems intended to assess physical abilities and strength. Granted one had reasonable self-control and integrity, it would be pretty easy to accurately measure one's own physical strength using a weight set, for example. A fair person could also measure his or her own maximum running speed with pretty good accuracy.

As for matters of "significant vested interest", I would need some specific examples to really be able to say whether it would be reasonable to expect a person to be able to self-assess. The only example that comes to mind right now is that of whether the world would be a better place without oneself. That would be difficult for many people to answer accurately since, at least it seems to me, many people do not consider their own value to society when considering their career or other choices that affect others. Some people have a net positive effect on society while others have a net negative.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.