Relativism vs. Subjectivism — What's the Difference?

Relativism suggests that truth is variable and dependent on context.

Subjectivism asserts that truth is contingent upon individual beliefs and perspectives.

Relativism affirms that moral codes and truths are crafted by societal and cultural norms.

Subjectivism allows for the coexistence of conflicting truths within different individuals.

Relativism argues that different cultures, societies, and individuals possess their own valid truths.

Subjectivism maintains that experiences and perceptions of truth are inherently personal.

Relativism posits that no standpoint is uniquely privileged over others.

Subjectivism posits that moral claims reflect personal attitudes rather than objective realities.

Relativism can be expressed in cultural, moral, and epistemic forms, each delineating a particular domain where truths are contingent upon varying factors.

Subjectivism is the doctrine that "our own mental activity is the only unquestionable fact of our experience", instead of shared or communal, and that there is no external or objective truth. The success of this position is historically attributed to Descartes and his methodic doubt, although he used it as an epistemological tool to prove the opposite (an objective world of facts independent of one's own knowledge, ergo the "Father of Modern Philosophy" inasmuch as his views underlie a scientific worldview).

Relativism is a family of philosophical views which deny claims to objectivity within a particular domain and assert that facts in that domain are relative to the perspective of an observer or the context in which they are assessed. There are many different forms of relativism, with a great deal of variation in scope and differing degrees of controversy among them.

The quality of being subjective.

The theory that value judgments, as of truth, beauty, or morality, have no universal validity but are valid only for the persons or groups holding them.

The doctrine that all knowledge is restricted to the conscious self and its sensory states.

The theory, especially in ethics or aesthetics, that conceptions of truth and moral values are not absolute but are relative to the persons or groups holding them.

A theory or doctrine that emphasizes the subjective elements in experience.

A specific such theory, advocated by a particular philosopher or school of thought.

Any of various theories holding that the only valid standard of judgment is that of the individual. For example, ethical subjectivism holds that individual conscience is the only appropriate standard for moral judgment.

(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that all criteria of judgment are relative to the individuals and situations involved

(metaphysics) The doctrine that reality is created or shaped by the mind.

(epistemology) The doctrine that knowledge is based in feelings or intuition.

(ethics) The doctrine that values and moral principles come from attitudes, convention, whim, or preference.

Any philosophical doctrine which refers all knowledge to, and founds it upon, any subjective states; egoism.

(philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge and value are dependent on and limited by your subjective experience

The quality of being subjective

Subjectivism implies that an individual's moral standpoints are valid for them, regardless of collective perspectives.

Subjectivism views truth as individual-based, deriving from personal beliefs and perspectives.

Subjectivism could challenge societal norms as it prioritizes individual beliefs and truths.

Critics argue that Relativism may unintentionally validate morally objectionable practices if they’re accepted within a culture.

Subjectivism holds that personal experiences are valid and true for the individual experiencing them.

Yes, Relativism can be seen as enabling conflicting moral codes, potentially leading to ethical dilemmas.

Relativism is often applied to appreciate and understand varied moral practices across different cultures.

Yes, though distinct, they can coexist as both reject objective, universal truths in favor of context-dependent truths.

Yes, Subjectivism centralizes the individual's beliefs as their personal truth, sometimes disregarding collective truths.

Yes, Subjectivism can lead to disagreements since it validates individual truths which might conflict with others.

Relativism generally respects and validates different cultural practices as being true within their respective contexts.

Relativism believes that truth and morality vary across different contexts and perspectives.

Yes, Relativism inherently appreciates and supports the legitimacy of cultural diversity.

Typically, no. Relativism is often confined to ethical and cultural contexts, not empirical facts.

Subjectivism strongly supports personal autonomy by upholding individual beliefs and truths.

Not necessarily, but Subjectivism allows individuals to hold truths that may diverge from collective or societal beliefs.