1.2: History and Biography

Every person analyzes and evaluates the world from a subjective perspective or viewpoint. Subjective concerns rely on judgments rather than external facts. Personal feelings and opinions from a person’s history and biography drive subjective concerns. The time period we live ( history ) and our personal life experiences ( biography ) influence our perspectives and understanding about others and the social world. Our history and biography guide our perceptions of reality reinforcing our personal bias and subjectivity.

Figure 2. The Influence of History and Biography on Perspective

Attribution: Copyright Vera Kennedy, West Hills College Lemoore , under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license

Relying on subjective viewpoints and perspectives leads to diffusion of misinformation (inaccurate), disinformation (false or fake), and fallacies (unsound reasoning) that can be detrimental to our physical and socio-cultural environment and negatively impact our perceptions, considerations, and acceptance of others. It takes awareness and deliberate practice to reduce personal bias in our interactions, interpretations, and understanding of others and the social world. We must seek out facts and develop knowledge to enhance our objective eye. By using valid, reliable, proven facts, data, and information, we establish credibility and make sound judgments and better decisions for the world and those we work with and serve.