Objectivism holds that certain truths exist independently of perception, opinion, or culture. Moral objectivism holds that there are objective moral facts. Epistemic objectivism holds that there are objective truths about knowledge. Aesthetic objectivism holds that there are objective standards of beauty. The opposite of objectivism is subjectivism, which holds that truth depends on the individual, and relativism, which holds that it depends on the group. Objectivism does not mean that everyone agrees. It means that disagreement does not change the truth.

Objectivism has a long history. Plato argued that the Forms are objective realities. Kant argued that moral law is objective, binding on all rational beings. In the 20th century, Ayn Rand developed a philosophical system she called Objectivism, emphasizing reason, individualism, and laissez-faire capitalism. Rand's Objectivism is a specific doctrine, not the same as objectivism in general. Objectivism in ethics is defended by moral realists, who argue that moral truths are discovered, not invented. Critics argue that moral objectivism is culturally imperialist, imposing one group's values on others. Defenders reply that some moral truths, such as the wrongness of slavery, are universal.

Forms of objectivism

• Moral. There are objective moral facts.
• Epistemic. There are objective truths about knowledge.
• Aesthetic. There are objective standards of beauty.
• Randian. Ayn Rand's philosophy of reason and individualism.

Objectivism is not the same as absolutism. Absolutism holds that moral rules have no exceptions. Objectivism holds that moral truths exist, but they may be complex and context-sensitive.