THE PERSON AND OTHERS

HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL RELATE WITH ANOTHER PERSON?

EXISTENTIALISM – Human experience is defined by the views, emotions, and actions of the
individual.

PHENOMENOLOGY - Experience is studied based on the subjective viewpoint.

EXISTENTIALISM AND PHENOMENOLOGY are the major philosophical branches that devote
much discussion on the concept of interpersonal relations. These philosophies relate the
concept of interpersonal relations to self-awareness and transcendence.  

 SELF - is the awareness of individuality where the individual is primarily aware of himself and it
is this egocentric perspective that defines how or she perceives and relates to reality.

OTHER - generally, it refers to objects outside of personal experience but is often used by most
philosophers to refer to other individuals apart from the “self”.

INTERSUBJECTIVITY – is the shared interaction between the “self’ and the “other”, it is when
the other individual is aware and understands the other besides themselves.   

VARIOUS LEVELS OF “SELF-OTHER” INTERACTION IDENTIFIED BY PHILOSOPHERS:

 Awareness of the “self” of the existence of the “other”

 Awareness of the “self” as being seen by the others   

MARTIN BUBER’S SEEMING AND DIALOGUE

SEEMING – according to Martin Buber, it is where an individual presents themselves in a certain

way when dealing with others.

DIALOGUE – was identified by Buber in his studies of the “self-other” relationship as a deeper
level of interaction among individuals.  

HOW DOES PHILOSOPHY DEFINE HUMAN RELATIONS? WHAT PHILOSOPHICAL CONCEPTS ARE
RELATED TO HUMAN RELATIONS?

Philosophical concepts related to human relations:

 ALIENATION - where the individual ceases to view the other as a distinct and authentic
person, and considers him or her as a mere object.
 EMPATHY - is the awareness that the other is a person with thoughts and feelings.
 AVAILABILITY - or the willingness of a person to be present and be at the disposal of
another. 

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 ETHICS OF CARE - emphasizes the moral dimension of relationships and interactions.

This moral perspective encourages individuals to see to the needs of other people most
especially the vulnerable. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “SEEMING” AND “DIALOGUE”? WHAT SCENARIOS IN

EVERYDAY LIFE CORRESPOND TO THESE TYPES OF INTERACTIONS?

- SEEMING is where an individual presents himself or herself in a certain way when

dealing with others. While DIALOGUE refers to a genuine relationship established
among individuals. It is a deeper level of interaction among individuals. 

BASED ON THE EXISTENTIAL VIEW, WHAT CHARACTERIZES A GENUINE RELATIONSHIP

BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS?

- Different philosophical thoughts have viewed human relationships in a different way.

Existentialist philosophers consider genuine relationships as frustrating and are often
inauthentic and ambiguous. It is difficult and almost impossible to attain.

HOW DOES CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER FAITHS DEFINE INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS?

- Interpersonal  relationships  may  be  simply  defined  as  that relationship  that  exists 
between  two  or  more  persons.  It differs from a person’s association, or relating to
impersonal objects. There are different types of interpersonal relationships ranging from
intra family relationships (by birth, marriage, etc.) to friendship, religion, etc.
- Religion plays many roles in defining interpersonal relationships, and one of its
fundamental principles is the Golden Rule – "Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you." This includes virtues such as the Fruits of the Spirit, love demonstrated
through service and sacrifice, as well as being honest and keeping one's word.

- This Christian viewpoint analyzes human relationships within the context of community.
- Humans naturally seek fellowship with each other
 to love one another,
 support each other,
 and minister to one another.
- The strongest relationships were formed between parents and their children, between
friends, and between a man and his wife. Far more important is God's connection with
man, which is characterized as a fellowship and covenant.
- In the Old Testament, God’s relationship with mankind began with the Creation.
 This first bond, however, was shattered by Adam and Eve's disobedience and
Cain's murder of Abel—acts that breached the fellowship covenant.

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 However, despite mankind's tendency to sin and disobey God's commands, God
has repeatedly reaffirmed His initial covenant.
 Among the great covenants created between God and His chosen people is
Noah's escape from the Great Flood, Abraham's trip to the Promised Land, the
liberation of the Israelites from Egypt, the Ten Commandments, and God's
promise to David. 
- In the New Testament, Jesus Christ has redefined God’s covenant through His death and
resurrection.
 “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 21:31)
 “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12)
- The unprivileged in society, notably the poor and the disabled, are among those who
deserve support, kindness, and care.