Perspectivism is the idea that all knowledge and perception are shaped by the specific viewpoint or perspective of the observer, meaning there is no such thing as a completely unbiased, universal, or “God’s-eye” understanding of reality.
Instead, every act of knowing or interpreting is influenced by subjective factors like context, personal experience, or even psychological biases: no one can step entirely outside their own perspective to access absolute truth.
However, perspectivism does not claim that all viewpoints are equally valid or true; it simply holds that truth must be sought by comparing and evaluating different perspectives, not by referencing some reality independent of all perspectives.
This principle has been developed by philosophers such as Nietzsche, who argued that objectivity and knowledge are reached through examining a diversity of perspectives, while rejecting traditional beliefs in absolute truth or facts existing outside interpretation.
Modern variations of perspectivism also explore how scientific models, theories, and observations are limited by the standpoint of those using them.
Perspectivism helps explain how our understanding of the world is inevitably filtered through the frameworks and limitations of particular perspectives.
Online Resources
- Perspectivism / Wikipedia
Please Note: This is my personal summary of the topic, shared both for my own records and in the hope it may be helpful to you. AI was used in parts to assist with the process.