Single Idea 22648

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 5. Objectivity]

Full Idea

A single explanation of a fact only explains it from a single point of view.

Gist of Idea

A single explanation must have a single point of view

Source

William James (The Sentiment of Rationality [1882], p.23)

Book Reference

James,William: 'Selected Writings of William James', ed/tr. Bird,Graham [Everyman 1995], p.23


A Reaction

I take this to imply that multiple viewpoints lead us towards objectivity. The single viewpoint of an expert is of much greater value than that of a novice, on the whole.