Semiobjectivity

Semiobjectivity is a stance in knowledge claims that lies between complete objectivity and complete subjectivity. It acknowledges that no observer can access phenomena in a wholly value-free or fully transparent way, but it seeks to ground claims in verifiable evidence and reproducible methods while recognizing the influence of context, perspective, and interpretation.

In epistemology and the philosophy of science, semiobjectivity describes a methodological ideal wherein researchers strive for reliable, testable knowledge but accept that theoretical commitments, social position, and methodological choices shape what is observed and how evidence is interpreted.

In the humanities and social sciences, semiobjectivity often appears in reflective or reflexive approaches. Historians may present multiple sources and critical interpretations rather than a single, definitive narrative; ethnographers may disclose positionality; journalists may balance reporting with transparent disclosure of assumptions.

Practices associated with semiobjectivity include transparency about data and methods, triangulation of sources, peer review, and explicit discussion of limitations and potential biases. These measures aim to improve reliability while acknowledging that complete neutrality is unattainable.

Critiques argue that semiobjectivity risks normalizing bias or yielding inconsistent standards, while proponents see it as a practical acknowledgment of fallibility in complex inquiry and as a safeguard against dogmatic absolutism. In practice, it is treated as a continuum rather than a fixed category, guiding how evidence and interpretation are presented and evaluated.