Is talent subjective, or objective?

[mks2005]

I've just had an interesting discussion on this and would like to hear some other opinions... The original argument stemmed from one person limiting themselves to a very narrow spectrum of music. We suggested he broadened his musical palette to at least trying to appreciate the talent which existed. A debate then ensued.

So what are your thoughts. Do you consider talent subjective, or is it objective?

 

[elitetrick]

depends whether the talent can be objectified ie saying a footballer is talented because he scored 30 goals in a season, that is a fact, although you can argue subjectively that he may not be talented as his goals were all tap ins. for stuff like music taste is is subjective again.
so basically talent is subjective but you can objectify it to support your opinion to try prove your opinion is correct.

 

[mks2005]

depends whether the talent can be objectified ie saying a footballer is talented because he scored 30 goals in a season, that is a fact, although you can argue subjectively that he may not be talented as his goals were all tap ins. for stuff like music taste is is subjective again.
so basically talent is subjective but you can objectify it to support your opinion to try prove your opinion is correct.

But if you can objectify it, does that not make it objective?

Could you argue that talent itself is entirely objective, but the extent to which individuals actually value such talent is subjective?

 

[Tom0]

Talent is often a myth, unless you've tried really really hard you will never know if you can do it. Some people have a natural flare at things which is often known as talent too.

I think the term "talent" is a bit confused.

 

[semi-pro waster]

I'd say that generally talent is objective but the appreciation of it is subjective. Although you do have to decide how you determine what a talent is. Is walking down the street a talent - not everyone can do it, some people clearly do it better than others so does that make it a talent?

 

[mks2005]

I'd say that generally talent is objective but the appreciation of it is subjective. Although you do have to decide how you determine what a talent is. Is walking down the street a talent - not everyone can do it, some people clearly do it better than others so does that make it a talent?

Indeed, this is another grey-area. Where is the cut off point? After what level does one possess "unusually high" ability? I guess the point is socially determined - a subjective issue.

 

[Tefal]

I see talent as what you can do with out practice, as in if he scored those goals on his first time playing he has talent, if he scored them after years of practice he may have talent but just not as much as if he did the former.