One of the leading polarities about which much epistemology, and especially the theory of ethics, tends to revolve. The view that some commitments are subjective goes back at least to the Sophists, and the way in which opinion varies with subjective constitution, situation, perspective, etc., is a constant theme in Greek scepticism (see Aenesidemus, Pyrrho, Sextus Empiricus ). The misfit between the subjective source of judgements in an area, and their objective appearance, or the way they make apparently independent claims capable of being apprehended correctly or incorrectly, is the driving force behind error theories and eliminativism . Attempts to reconcile the two aspects include moderate anthropocentrism, and certain kinds of projectivism . See also realism/anti-realism.
Philosophy dictionary. Academic. 2011.