Difference Between Relativism and Subjectivism

The key difference between relativism and subjectivism is that relativism is the claim that knowledge, truth and morality exist in relation to culture or society and that there are no universal truths while subjectivism is the claim that knowledge is merely subjective and that there is no external or objective truth.

Relativism and subjectivism are two views that concern morality. Both these doctrines claim that there are no universal truth or an absolute set of morality and knowledge. However, there is a distinct difference between relativism and subjectivism, as discussed below in this article.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Relativism 
     – Definition, Characteristics
2. What is Subjectivism
     – Definition, Characteristics
3. What is the Similarity Between Relativism and Subjectivism
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Relativism and Subjectivism
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Morality, Relativism, Subjectivism

What is Relativism

Relativism is the view that there is no universal or absolute set of knowledge, truth, and morality. According to relativism, views are relative to differences in perception and consideration. In other words, knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context. Thus, in relativism, different people may have different views about what is right and wrong, or moral and immoral, and there are no universal truths that apply to everyone.

Let’s look at an example to understand this more clearly. In most modern western societies, women can wear shorts or miniskirts to public places. However, women in more traditional societies (rural India, Middle Eastern countries, etc.) are not allowed to wear such clothes in public. It happens because of the way people think is shaped by their society and culture.

What is Subjectivism

Subjectivism is the view that knowledge is merely subjective and that there is no external or objective truth. It is because each person has different beliefs and perceptions about knowledge and morality. So, what is right or wrong for one person may not be right or wrong for another.

However, there are some drawbacks of subjectivism, especially in terms of morality and ethics. Firstly, it can conflict with some basic moral perceptions. If moral subjectivism is true, then most perpetrators of violent crimes would be morally right since they were only doing what they believed to be right. Furthermore, subjectivism may give rise to disagreement about morality and imply that everyone’s moral judgments are always correct.

Similarity Between Relativism and Subjectivism

• Both relativism and subjectivism claim that there is no universal truth or objective truth.

Difference Between Relativism and Subjectivism

Definition

Relativism is the claim that knowledge, truth and morality exist in relation to culture or society and that there are no universal truths while subjectivism is the claim that knowledge is merely subjective and that there is no external or objective truth.

Morality

In relativism, morality exists in relation to culture, traditions and society, while in subjectivism, morality is subjective and personal.

Underlying Concept

According to relativism, the way we perceive morality is shaped by culture and society while according to subjectivism, the way we perceive morality depends on our own mental judgment.

Conclusion

Both relativism and subjectivism claim that there is no universal truth or objective truth. Moreover, the difference between relativism and subjectivism is the nature of morality or truth. In relativism, morality or truth exists in relation to culture, traditions and society, while in subjectivism, morality or truth is subjective and personal.

Reference:

1. Pettit, Gordon. “Introduction to Moral Relativism and Moral Subjectivism”. Youtube, 18 Aug. 2019, Available here.
2. Whittemore, Jessica. “Understanding Moral Relativism, Subjectivism & Objectivism Video.” Study.com, Available here.

 Image Courtesy:

1. “2729714” and “2729712” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Point of view bias” By Mushki Brichta – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia