subjectivism

[ suhb-jek-tuh-viz-uhm ]

noun

1. Epistemology. the doctrine that all knowledge is limited to experiences by the self, and that transcendent knowledge is impossible.
2. Ethics.
   1. any of various theories maintaining that moral judgments are statements concerning the emotional or mental reactions of the individual or the community.
   2. any of several theories holding that certain states of thought or feeling are the highest good.

subjectivism

/ səbˈdʒɛktɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. the meta-ethical doctrine that there are no absolute moral values but that these are variable in the same way as taste is
2. any similar philosophical theory, for example, about truth or perception
3. any theological theory that attaches primary importance to religious experience
4. the quality or condition of being subjective

Derived Forms

• subˌjectiˈvistic, adjective
• subˌjectiˈvistically, adverb
• subˈjectivist, noun

Other Words From

• sub·jectiv·ist noun
• sub·jecti·vistic adjective
• sub·jecti·visti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of subjectivism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; subjective + -ism

Example Sentences

Subjectivism, based on vital experience, mixes no better with this system than oil with water.

From Project Gutenberg

The subjectivism of the Stoics and Epicureans is followed by the scepticism of Pyrrho and his successors.

From Project Gutenberg

Lastly, subjectivism ends naturally in scepticism, the denial of all knowledge, the rejection of all philosophy.

From Project Gutenberg

We have already seen, in the Sophists, the phenomenon of subjectivism leading to scepticism.

From Project Gutenberg

This subjectivism has as its necessary consequences, one-sidedness, absence of originality, and finally complete scepticism.

From Project Gutenberg