Subjectivity is the way in which an individual perceives the world, and it differs from one human being to another. Unlike objectivity, in which the object under consideration is considered based on observable facts that are perceived the same way by everyone, subjectivity is based on an individuals own experience of life and his own ideations. Subjectivity is based upon analysis of an individualÆs opinions, which, in turn, are based on his past experiences and what he knows from what he has learned in the course of his lifetime. This is colored by the individuals particular background and upbringing, the environment in which he lives, his developed likes and dislikes, prejudices and biases developed over his lifespan, and through his interactions with other human beings.
In his book, Ethics, Subjectivity and Truth, Michael Foucault's premise is that subjectivity is not something which is given to us, but instead is and effect of power, knowledge and other influences. Foucault draws a connection between subjectivity and power which has not been attempted before. In the 1980s, he became fascinated with the aesthetics of self, and as a result, he became attached to the Greek notion of ôto take care of oneself.ö Foucault interpreted the self to be the outcome of human sciences and political control, but maintained that the ethics of ôcaring for oneselfö was a way to exercise freedom. He saw self as developing a new form of subjectivity which came from power and knowledge, but was independent of the two.
Foucault believed that subjectivity was crated through power throughout history and by interaction with others. His belief was that power not only influences our subjectivity, but is actually responsible for its formation. He also contends that subjectivity is similarly a result of knowledge, and that the two are clearly connected. Facts and knowledge help in the formation of self, and determine how the self in...