What philosophical theory denies the possibility of objective knowledge?

The philosophical theory that denies the possibility of objective knowledge is rooted in the notion that knowledge is inherently personal, shaped by individual experiences, perceptions, and interpretations. Subjectivism posits that individuals construct their own understanding and reality based on their unique perspectives. According to this viewpoint, truth is not absolute but rather is subjective, leading to the conclusion that what one person knows or believes may not hold true for another.

In subjective frameworks, knowledge cannot be universally agreed upon, as each person’s experiences and interpretations influence their understanding of reality. This stands in contrast to other philosophical schools that assert the existence of universal truths or objective realities that can be recognized and agreed upon by all. For example, objectivism holds that knowledge is derived from an objective reality, while empiricism emphasizes knowledge gained through sensory experience, both suggesting that some aspects of knowledge can be viewed objectively.

Post-modernism similarly critiques the idea of objective knowledge but does so in a broader context, often emphasizing the relative nature of knowledge within cultural and historical frameworks rather than completely dismissing the possibility of objective truths. However, it is subjectiveism that most explicitly rejects the very concept of objective knowledge, making the connection clear between individual perception and knowledge itself.