Objectivity as subject of conflict

The paper considers two types of discussions related to the definition of objectivity in science. The first type is clarified by the term “science wars” and refers to a discussion of realists and rationalists, on the one hand, and relativists and social constructionists on the other. It requires a single definition of the concept. The second type is found in social and historical studies of science and allows for ambiguity in the notion of objectivity. A comparative analysis revealed the pros and cons of the discussions and substantiated a thesis of positive recognition of variable notions of objectivity, which corresponds to the content of the concept (objectivity as overcoming subjectivity) It is significant that objectivity remains the most important epistemic value. In addition, the nature of the constructive scientific dialogue of the second type corresponds with the spirit of scientific communication more than dogmatism of the first type. This theoretical conclusion is important in the context of contemporary epistemological, social, and historical studies. It helps to define the problems and conditions of possible interdisciplinarity.