Stephen Finlay

Many philosophical problems involve a tension between objectivity and subjectivity. My project advances a Perspectivist approach to systematically reconciling these pressures. Consider the concepts of Left and Right. If asked which of two objects is on the left, we quickly recognize the answer is perspective-dependent. Supposing we are facing each other with a Coke and a Pepsi between us, then if the Pepsi is on the left relative to my perspective, it will be on the right relative to yours. This sensible view contrasts with two implausible alternatives. First, we could be Objectivists about Left and Right: if the Pepsi is on the left (for anyone), then it cannot be on the right (for anyone). One of us must be mistaken. Second, we could be Subjectivists: there is no objective reality here, just appearances/opinions. Clearly we should reject both these options. There are genuine location facts, they’re just relational facts: the Pepsi is on the left/right relative to your orientation. While few people would be Objectivists or Subjectivists about Left/Right, when it comes to philosophical topics, where the relativity is more subtle, the Perspectivist position is commonly disregarded in favor of endless debates between Objectivism and Subjectivism. These topics potentially include: normative theory (what should we do or think?), probability and modality, consciousness, free will, ontology (what things exist?).