subjectivus

Subjectivus is a hypothetical philosophical term used to denote a stance that grounds evaluative and epistemic claims in the subject's internal states. In this framework, truth-values or normative judgments depend on an agent's perspective, desires, or experiences rather than on mind-independent properties. The name derives from the Latin subjectivus, meaning "of the subject." Treating subjectivus as a family of theses, philosophers debate how subjective factors translate into judgments and whether such grounding can support stable discourse across agents.

Subjectivus appears most often in ethics, aesthetics, and some epistemological discussions. Moral subjectivus holds that what is right or wrong depends on an agent's attitudes or commands, allowing persistent disagreement without appealing to objective facts. Aesthetic subjectivus treats beauty as rooted in the observer's response rather than in intrinsic properties of objects. In epistemology, a subjectivist reading might link justification to the agent's perspective. Proponents note explanatory power for cross-subject disagreement; critics argue it threatens objectivity and communicability.

Subjectivus is often contrasted with objectivism and relativism. It aims to preserve individual perspective while avoiding full cultural relativism, though hybrid theories exist. Common objections include risks of skepticism about intersubjective accountability and the collapse of universal standards. Proponents stress that subjectivus can explain why judgments vary while still retaining normative force at the personal level.