Öznecil

Öznecil is a philosophical stance that foregrounds the role of the subject in knowledge, interpretation, and social life. Proponents argue that meaning emerges from conscious agents and their intentional states, rather than from impersonal structures alone. The term is commonly used in Turkish-language scholarship to describe this emphasis on subjectivity, agency, and experiential context.

It situates itself near subjectivism, phenomenology, and hermeneutics, while aiming to distinguish itself by stressing not only inner experience but also how language, cultural norms, and power relations shape what counts as knowledge and truth for the subject.

Origins: The concept gained traction in late 20th-century Turkish philosophy and critical theory, appearing in discussions of literature, sociology, and political thought. Authors describe öznecil perspectives as a way to critique totalizing theories that underplay individual perspective.

Core tenets: Non-universal interpretation, emphasis on intentionality, and acknowledgment of perspectival limits. It treats subjects as active constructors of meaning, but it also recognizes ethical responsibility and dialogue with others as essential to understanding.

Relation to other schools and criticisms: It intersects with phenomenology, existentialism, and social constructivism. Critics argue that excessive focus on the subject risks relativism or neglect of structural constraints. Proponents respond that recognizing subjectivity does not preclude rigorous analysis and can illuminate power dynamics.

See also: subjectivity, phenomenology, constructivism.