Final answer:
Subjectivist theories of value argue that value is projected onto an object or event by human interest, reflecting personal and cultural contexts, rather than inherent qualities of the object or event itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Subjectivist theories of value claim that value is not inherent in the object or event itself, but instead emerges from the relation between human interest and an object or event, suggesting that it is projected by human interest onto some object or event. This stands in contrast to objectivist theories which regard values as residing within the object or event itself, independently of any subject. Subjectivist views on value also imply that values are not fixed as norms or ideals but are contingent on human experiences, emotions, and cultural contexts.
Within the realm of subjectivism, constructivism holds that value is what humans cognitively construct to be, arising from our interpretations, beliefs, and social interactions. In this view, the process of valuing is dynamic and personal—woven into everyday living and closely tied to culture and social norms and practices. This approach often aligns with antipositivism, which emphasizes the subjective nature of social research and underlines that researchers should account for the value-laden aspects of social phenomena.
The philosophical debate on value theory, and whether values are subjective or objective, is not only an area of academic interest but has practical implications in fields like ethics, aesthetics, and broader socio-cultural discussions.