About

Anti-Subjectivism is a normative ethical theory and meta-ethical framework whose single normative claim, derived as the negation of the state of nature, is that all ethical interactions must be consensual. This site presents that theory through The Anti-Subjectivist Manifesto: The Case for Consent (version 1.1) and a video introduction.

The theory holds that the default state of all living creatures is the “state of nature” — an amoral environment where might makes right. To rise above it without adding arbitrary rules, we negate “might makes right”: the initiation of force is not permissible. Consent is the negation of force, so consent is the sole normative ethical rule. Because no one has inherent moral authority over anyone else, the rule is reciprocal: whoever violates consent returns to the state of nature, and others may rightly defend themselves.

Anti-Subjectivism is not a moral realist position. It does not claim that moral truths are woven into reality; it holds that even following a moral theory is an arbitrary, subjective preference. It accepts only the foundational assumptions every ethical theory must make (that reality exists, that logic holds, and that our existence ought to be elevated above the state of nature) and adds no arbitrary premise beyond them, because arbitrary premises invite contradiction and the violation of consent. It is not a utopian promise: it offers autonomy you can rightly defend, not an end to all strife.

The Anti-Subjectivist Manifesto was written by Christian G. Moore and Patrick Smith. This website publishes that work and related materials for readers who want to explore the philosophy of consent.

A growing breadth of creators and philosophers are developing applied instances of the theory. For discussion with others interested in the ideas, join the community Discord.

• The Manifesto — full text of The Anti-Subjectivist Manifesto: The Case for Consent (v1.1)
• Download the PDF — printable version of the manifesto
• Manifesto (Markdown) — plain-text Markdown source
• The Video — a visual introduction to Anti-Subjectivism
• Discord — join the community

For site or project inquiries: [email protected].