The 7 differences between objectivism and subjectivism

Objectivism and subjectivism are two cognitive currents raised as opposites, which are They differ mainly in the importance given to the object and the subject and in the knowledge of the reality.

In this article we will see what are the differences between objectivism and subjectivism, and we will see the characteristics and proposals of said philosophical currents.

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Definition of concepts: objectivism and subjectivism

Both objectivism and subjectivism are positions or philosophical currents that propose the way of knowing or describing reality.

In reference to objectivism, it began in the 20th century with the publications of the works "El manantial" in 1943 and "La rebelión de Atlas" in 1957 written by philosopher Ayn Rand. Proposes that the object influences or determines the subject, we thus see how the object is discovered without influence of the subject, without taking into account the emotions, beliefs, opinions of the person who knows the reality. What we see is what it is, it is reality.

The interpretation made by the subject, the intrinsic knowledge of the individual, is not necessary, but reality already exists independently. In this way, reality would be the same for different subjects. An example of this position is scientific knowledge, which raises data and laws where the person does not influence.

For its part, subjectivism begins in the 5th century BC. c. as a philosophical approach promoted by the sophists. It is affirmed that the reality, the truth depends on the interpretation of each one, thus the knowledge and truth of each person will depend on himself, influence his beliefs, experiences, emotions... In this case, the subject acts on the object. In this way, the truth of each person will vary, there is no single truth.

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Differences between objectivism and subjectivism

Now that we know the terms better and we know what each one refers to, it will be easier to understand what the main differences are. At first glance we realize that the approaches presented by each current are contrary to each other.

Below we will present the main differences between the two terms, assessing the importance given to the subject and the object; the origin of each current; how knowledge and reality arise; what influence does society have; how to differentiate between good and bad; or the perception they have of the individual.

1. Importance to subject or object

As we have seen in the definition, the importance that each current gives to the subject and the object is different. Objectivism highlights the influence of the object on the subject and therefore gives more importance to the object, to external reality, without the influence of the person who observes it.

On the other hand, subjectivism raises the influence of the subject exerted on the object, attaches greater importance to the subject, without him it is not possible to know reality.

In this way, reality, according to objectivism, would be what we see when we look at a landscape, the description of the characteristics of the elements. On the contrary, subjectivism affirms that reality would be the interpretation that the person makes of the landscape, that he feels, that reminds him, that generates in him what he is seeing.

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2. Getting the knowledge

Objectivism posits that knowledge is obtained from the outside, through observation and perception, and is reached through reasoning. and the logical interpretation of information. True knowledge is everything that we can prove, obtaining the same result in different queries and by different subjects.

Instead, subjectivism will deny the need to check knowledge or to replicate the obtaining of this, since it will vary depending on who is doing the interpretation and when and where we do it. The particular influence that each person has in the discovery of knowledge makes it impossible to coincide with the knowledge of another subject. Similarly, over time, the subject's experiences, beliefs, or emotions may change; therefore it is possible that the own knowledge of him is also modified.

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3. Reality

Objectivism poses reality as one and invariable, without the influence of the subject that knows it. We must approach reality without trying to change it or cause an effect on it, since this is the only way to achieve true reality. Reality exists external to us, it is the same for everyone and for this reason we have to assess it neutrally, without taking into account our opinion.

Contrary, subjectivism will affirm that reality depends on the subject and that it does not exist without the interpretation and influence that this exerts on the outside. It is impossible to know reality if it is not through the person, in this way, we cannot separate reality and subject, we cannot reach reality without taking into account the variables of each individual.

We could consider that objectivism believes in the existence of a single reality, known to everyone in the same way and independent of each person's mind. Instead, subjectivism would pose different realities, depending on the interpretation and influence of each subject. Each person will live their own reality.

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4. Social influence

The subjectivist current considers the social and cultural influence on the knowledge of reality. In the same way that the opinion and experience of the subject influences, so will society and the established culture. Reality will not be valued the same in different social groups, since their experiences and way of interpreting it will be different.

On the contrary, objectivism does not believe in the influence of culture or social group, reality is what it is and there is only one true, independent of the place of origin of the subject.

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5. Origin of the two streams

As we have seen, it was the philosopher Alisa Zinovievna Rosenbaum, known by the pseudonym Ayn Rand, who first proposed objectivism in his novels "The Spring" (1943) and "Atlas Shrugged" (1957). The method he used to describe the term was unconventional, since he presented it in a novel format, through the beliefs and explanations given by his characters. Later, in 1962, the author herself described objectivism in the article "Introducing objectivism" published in the Los Angeles Times.

As for subjectivism, it began much earlier in the 5th century BC. C., raised in the philosophical thesis of the sophists, such as Protagoras and Gorgias, who were thinkers of classical Greece in charge of transmitting wisdom. Subsequently, other thinkers appeared, well-known philosophers, who have also raised knowledge through subjectivism, such as David Hume in the eighteenth century and Friedrich Nietzsche in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

6. Difference between good and bad

Objectivism conceives of people as rational beings, who use reason to know reality. Thus, the distinction between what is right and what is wrong depends on the rational perception of the facts, the subject will act as he sees fit, with the purpose of achieving his well-being without taking into account the happiness of others. the rest. This conception of valuing only our own well-being and interest is known as moral egoism.

Instead, in subjectivism we consider the influence of ethics or what is considered socially good or bad. We see how the morality of the individual intervenes, assessing what is right and wrong, what is good or bad, depending on our opinion, our feelings, generated in us by the different events. That is, taking into account the human part of the subject. The type of morality that he proposes is called moral subjectivism that gives importance to the opinions and beliefs of each person.

7. The individual

Objectivism posits that the individual should look out for himself and not for others, the main objective of life is the search and satisfaction of his own interest. The happiness of others does not depend on him, each one is responsible for achieving his goals and being happy.

On the other hand, subjectivism believes that the individual must act according to his thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, values, that is, not taking into account her own interest, but what her opinion is.