What is Subjectivism?

PHILO-notes

1 Nov 202102:26

Summary

TLDRSubjectivism 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.

Outlines

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🤔 Understanding Subjectivism

Subjectivism is the philosophical theory that reality is shaped by perception or consciousness, meaning there is no objective reality independent of individual awareness. It does not deny the existence of reality, but rather argues that reality's nature depends on individual consciousness. In its extreme form, subjectivism claims that the existence and nature of every object are contingent upon someone's awareness of it. The roots of subjectivism can be traced back to René Descartes, with its more extreme expressions found in the empiricism and idealism of George Berkeley. Subjectivism is closely related to solipsism and metaphysical relativism, and it stands in opposition to objectivism, which posits that reality exists independently of the mind.

🌍 Related Concepts: Pampsichism and Objectivism

The concept of subjectivism is tied to other philosophical ideas like pampsichism and objectivism. Pampsichism is the view that all matter involves some degree of consciousness or sentience, implying that there are either multiple minds or a single unifying mind behind everything in existence. Objectivism, on the other hand, is the antithesis of subjectivism, maintaining that reality exists entirely independent of the mind, unaffected by perception or consciousness.

🔍 Types of Subjectivism

Subjectivism can be divided into two main branches: metaphysical subjectivism and ethical (or moral) subjectivism. Metaphysical subjectivism argues that there is no objective reality beyond perception or consciousness. Ethical subjectivism, however, relates to morality and is the belief that ethical statements reflect the attitudes and conventions of individuals rather than objective truths. As a form of moral relativism, ethical subjectivism posits that moral truths are relative to each person's individual attitudes and beliefs.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Subjectivism

Subjectivism is the philosophical theory that reality is dependent on an individual's perception or consciousness. It asserts that there is no objective reality independent of perception. In the video, subjectivism is explained as the belief that the nature of reality changes based on individual consciousness, distinguishing it from solipsism or illusionism.

💡Perception

Perception refers to the way individuals experience or become aware of reality through their senses or consciousness. In the context of subjectivism, perception is not just a way of interpreting reality but is seen as the defining factor of what reality is. This is a central theme of subjectivism, where consciousness shapes the nature of all existence.

💡Metaphysical Subjectivism

Metaphysical subjectivism is the idea that reality itself is dependent on individual consciousness and that there is no objective reality beyond one’s perception. The script emphasizes that this form of subjectivism rejects the notion of an independent reality, making it fundamental to the broader philosophical concept of subjectivism.

💡Ethical Subjectivism

Ethical subjectivism, or moral subjectivism, is the belief that moral truths or ethical statements are based on individual attitudes and conventions. In the script, it is highlighted as a form of moral relativism where the truth of moral claims depends on personal attitudes rather than universal principles.

💡Rene Descartes

Rene Descartes was a French philosopher whose writings laid the foundation for subjectivism. His emphasis on doubt and consciousness ('I think, therefore I am') serves as a precursor to the theory. The video credits Descartes with shaping the philosophical basis of subjectivism.

💡George Berkeley

George Berkeley was an empiricist and idealist philosopher who took subjectivism to its extreme. His philosophy argued that the existence of objects depends solely on being perceived by a mind. The video identifies Berkeley as the most visible exponent of this extreme form of subjectivism.

💡Solipsism

Solipsism is the philosophical theory that only one's own mind is sure to exist. While related to subjectivism, solipsism takes the idea further by doubting the existence of other minds or an external world. The script compares subjectivism to solipsism but clarifies that subjectivism does not deny reality; it only asserts that reality is mind-dependent.

💡Objectivism

Objectivism is the antithesis of subjectivism, holding that reality exists independently of human consciousness. The script contrasts objectivism with subjectivism, stating that while subjectivism ties reality to perception, objectivism argues for an external, mind-independent reality.

💡Empiricism

Empiricism is the philosophical theory that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. In the script, empiricism is linked to George Berkeley’s subjectivist idealism, where reality is dependent on perception, emphasizing that objects only exist as they are experienced.

💡Moral Relativism

Moral relativism is the belief that the truth of moral claims varies based on individual or cultural attitudes. In the video, moral relativism is discussed in relation to ethical subjectivism, where moral truths are not universal but relative to each person's attitudes or beliefs.

Highlights

Subjectivism is the theory that perception or consciousness is reality, and there is no underlying true reality independent of perception.

Subjectivism does not claim that all is illusion or that reality does not exist.

The nature of reality is dependent on the consciousness of the individual.

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

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

The extreme form of subjectivism is most visibly expressed in the empiricism and idealism of George Berkeley.

Subjectivism is similar to the doctrine of solipsism and is related to metaphysical relativism.

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

Another concept related to subjectivism is panpsychism, which holds that all parts of matter involve mind or that everything is sentient.

Panpsychism may suggest that there are either many separate minds or one single mind that unites everything.

There are two major types of subjectivism: metaphysical subjectivism and ethical subjectivism (or moral subjectivism).

Metaphysical subjectivism holds that there is no underlying true reality independent of perception or consciousness.

Ethical subjectivism, or moral subjectivism, is the belief that ethical sentences reduce to statements about individual attitudes or conventions.

Ethical subjectivism implies that moral claims are relative to individual attitudes, making it a form of moral relativism.

The truth of moral claims in ethical subjectivism is relative to individual attitudes rather than universal truths.