An Introduction to Standpoint Theory
Taking into account a foundational reality of human experience
Breaking News: You are a unique individual with a unique set of experiences inhabiting a unique place in the world. Those realities matter.
Another important reality that really matters is that your unique set of experiences and unique current standpoint in the world affect how you perceive the world around you.
Regrettably, too many people deny this simple, fundamental reality that everyone has a different set of perspectives because they are unique individuals with a unique standpoint in the world.
Objectively Speaking . . .
With good reason, we are taught to understand the value of objectivity. Quite often, our best policy is to take a step back and look at a situation with detachment and impersonal objectivity. Some people feel that being objective is the only good way to make decisions.
There are two problems with the idea of objectivity. One is that it is not always best to make decisions without regard for oneself. Two, a perfectly objective standpoint is…
