Subjectivist

A subjectivist is someone who believes that knowledge, reality, and values are inherently subjective and based on individual experiences, interpretations, and beliefs rather than objective facts. Subjectivists typically emphasize the role of the individual in shaping their understanding of the world, often rejecting the notion of universal truths or objective standards. They might argue that there's no single, correct way to perceive or evaluate things, and that different perspectives are equally valid, depending on the observer. This often influences their views on ethics, aesthetics, and truth.

Subjectivist meaning with examples

• The art critic, a staunch subjectivist, argued that the beauty of the painting resided solely in the viewer's emotional response. He dismissed objective measures of artistic skill, claiming that individual experience was the only relevant factor in appreciating art. For him, the subjective impact on the observer constituted the artwork's genuine value and merit above all else. This belief shaped his reviews.
• As a subjectivist, the philosopher believed moral principles are not fixed or absolute. He asserted that right and wrong are defined by the individual and vary with personal convictions. He would often claim there's no universal morality, only individual moral frameworks; and this directly impacted his ethical stances, which were rooted in individual feelings.
• In discussing the merits of different scientific theories, the subjectivist scientist argued that the choice of one theory over another is influenced by personal biases and background rather than objective truth. She believed that scientific 'facts' are constructed, thus reflecting individual interpretations of data, and is ultimately subjective. Scientific findings are then shaped through societal influence.
• The subjectivist psychologist emphasized the importance of understanding individual experiences to treat mental health. They viewed each person's narrative as unique and valid, focusing on subjective feelings and perceptions rather than standardized diagnostic criteria. Therapy sessions would explore personal experiences, emphasizing subjective well-being and meaning-making, rejecting a universal definition of sanity.