Subjective Statements

Subjective Claim (What)

A subjective claim is a statement whose truth value depends on a person’s characteristics—the set {values, priorities, likes, dislikes, past experiences, and so on} that make each of us unique.

For example, the claim “The Bahamas is the best place to vacation” depends on what someone values in a vacation.

A subjective claim reflects personal perspectives and may be true for some but not universally true.

Examples of Subjective Claims

  1. AFC states that the best place to live is Jasper, Alberta in Canada. This is subjective because this statement is true for AFC, but not necessarily true for others.

  2. The best kind of pie is apple pie. This is true for me, so it is a subjective claim.

  3. Business students should learn calculus. This is subjective because not all people would agree with them.

  4. People should drive at the speed limit.

  5. It is good to have a productive day.

These statement are subjective for several reasons.

  1. They are true for some people, but not for others.
  2. The truth value depends on people’s values, not on something that can be measured or observed independent of an individual.

Non-Examples of Subjective Claims

Alternatively, the truth value of objective claims is established by direct means: experiments, observations, calculations, and so forth. Here are some examples of subjective claims.

  1. People are safer if they get vaccinated for Covid. The truth or falsity of this state is established by comparing the outcomes for those who have the vaccine and those who do not. The truth of falsity is independent of anyone’s opinion.

  2. The defendant is guilty of the crime. This is objective because the defendant either committed the crime or not. The truth does not depend on anyone’s opinion.

Rationale

Here are some reasons why subjective claims are worth learning about and then using skillfully.

Best: Allows us to talk about what is best because best is subjective.

Collaboration: Recognizes uniqueness among people. Thus, we can enhance collaboration.

Proof: The proof of a subjective claim is very different than the proof of an objective claim.

Subjective Arguments (How To Justify)

If your claim is subjective, justify why your claim is true for you. If someone disagrees with your claim, accept this as natural because subjective claims are not true for everyone.

Sometimes, use language that does not provoke people to debate or battle you.

Examples of Subjective Arguments