Objectivity

Last updated on Feb 26, 2026
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Definition: The idea that scientific claims, methods, results and scientists themselves should remain value-free and unbiased, and thus not be affected by cultural, political, racial or religious bias as well as any personal interests (Merton, 1942).

Related terms: Communality, Mertonian norms, Neutrality

References:

  • Macfarlane, B., & Cheng, M. (2008). Communism, Universalism and Disinterestedness: Re-examining Contemporary Support among Academics for Merton’s Scientific Norms. Journal of Academic Ethics, 6(1), 67–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-008-9055-y
  • Merton, R. K. (1942). A note on science and democracy. Journal of Legal and Political Sociology, 1, 115–126. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110375008-013

Originally drafted by: Ryan Millager

Reviewed by: Mahmoud Elsherif, Madeleine Ingham, Kai Krautter, Sam Parsons, Charlotte R. Pennington