subjectivism

noun

sub·​jec·​tiv·​ism (ˌ)səb-ˈjek-ti-ˌvi-zəm 

1

a

: a theory that limits knowledge to subjective experience

b

: a theory that stresses the subjective elements in experience

2

a

: a doctrine that the supreme good is the realization of a subjective experience or feeling (such as pleasure)

b

: a doctrine that individual feeling or apprehension is the ultimate criterion of the good and the right

subjectivist

(ˌ)səb-ˈjek-ti-vist 

noun

subjectivistic

(ˌ)səb-ˌjek-ti-ˈvi-stik 

adjective

Examples of subjectivism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stacking three narratives—each taking place over three distinct time windows— Nolan collapses each onto the others, making a week feel like a day feel like a couple of hours, and capturing the subjectivism of time, all while simultaneously using these tricks in the service of suspense and story. —Evan Romano, Men's Health, 20 July 2023

The result was a kind of radical subjectivism. —Jeffrey Collins, WSJ, 18 Mar. 2022

In place of the aspiration to accumulate knowledge of the world through careful observation and deliberation, critical theory asserted a radical subjectivism that rooted knowledge in experience and emotion. —Francis Fukuyama, Harper’s Magazine , 27 Apr. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1b