What is Subjectivism?

Summary

Subjectivism is the philosophical theory that reality is dependent on individual perception or consciousness, rather than existing independently of it. While it doesn't claim reality is an illusion, it suggests that reality's nature is shaped by each person's awareness. Rooted in Descartes' ideas, it finds extreme expression in George Berkeley's empiricism and idealism. Subjectivism contrasts with objectivism, which asserts reality is independent of the mind. There are two main types: metaphysical subjectivism, which questions independent reality, and ethical subjectivism, which links moral truth to individual attitudes, akin to moral relativism.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Subjectivism is the theory that perception or consciousness shapes reality, denying an independent underlying reality.
• 🚫 Subjectivism does not claim that reality is an illusion or non-existent, but rather that it depends on individual consciousness.
• 👤 In its extreme form, subjectivism argues that the existence of every object is contingent upon someone's subjective awareness.
• 📜 Subjectivism finds its philosophical basis in the writings of René Descartes and is prominently expressed in George Berkeley's empiricism and idealism.
• 🔄 Subjectivism is closely related to solipsism and metaphysical relativism, where reality varies based on individual perspective.
• 🆚 The antithesis of subjectivism is objectivism, which claims that reality exists independently of the mind.
• 🌍 Another related concept is panpsychism, the idea that all matter is sentient or involves mind, either as separate entities or as part of one unified consciousness.
• 🔗 Subjectivism is divided into two types: metaphysical subjectivism and ethical (or moral) subjectivism.
• 🔍 Metaphysical subjectivism holds that reality doesn't exist independently of perception or consciousness.
• 🧭 Ethical subjectivism, or moral subjectivism, suggests that moral truths are based on individual attitudes and that ethical statements reflect personal or societal beliefs.

Q & A

What is subjectivism?

Subjectivism is the theory that reality is dependent on perception or consciousness, and there is no underlying true reality that exists independently of perception.

Does subjectivism claim that all is an illusion?

No, subjectivism does not claim that all is an illusion or that there is no such thing as reality. It asserts that the nature of reality is dependent on individual consciousness.

What is the extreme form of subjectivism?

In its extreme form, subjectivism may hold that the nature and existence of every object depends solely on someone's subjective awareness of it.

Which philosopher's writings serve as a philosophical basis for subjectivism?

Subjectivism has its philosophical basis in the writings of René Descartes.

How is subjectivism related to George Berkeley's philosophy?

Subjectivism's extreme form is most visibly expressed in the empiricism and idealism of George Berkeley.

What is the relationship between subjectivism and solipsism?

Subjectivism is very similar to the doctrine of solipsism, which is the idea that only one's own mind is sure to exist.

How is subjectivism connected to metaphysical relativism?

Subjectivism is related to metaphysical relativism in that it suggests that the nature of reality is not fixed but is relative to individual perception.

What is the antithesis of subjectivism?

The antithesis of subjectivism is objectivism, a philosophical doctrine that holds that reality exists wholly independent of the mind.

What is the difference between metaphysical subjectivism and ethical subjectivism?

Metaphysical subjectivism is the idea that there is no true reality independent of perception, while ethical subjectivism is the belief that ethical sentences are relative to individual attitudes or conventions.

How is subjectivism related to panpsychism?

Subjectivism is related to panpsychism in the sense that both view consciousness as a fundamental aspect of reality, with panpsychism suggesting that all parts of matter involve mind.

What does ethical subjectivism imply about moral claims?

Ethical subjectivism implies that the truth of moral claims is relative to the attitudes of individuals, making it a form of moral relativism.