What does it mean if a viewpoint is described as "objective"?

When a viewpoint is described as "objective," it means that it is not influenced or affected by personal feelings, emotions, or biases. An objective perspective relies on factual information and observable evidence rather than subjective interpretations which can be swayed by individual experiences or emotions. Thus, it aims to present a situation or issue as it is, without introducing personal judgments or prejudices.

For instance, when discussing a scientific study, an objective viewpoint would focus on the data and findings presented by the research rather than the personal opinions of the researcher or the reader. This allows for a more accurate and fair analysis, which is essential in fields like journalism, science, and academia, where impartiality is critical to credibility.