INTERSUBJECTIVIT

Y
PREPARED BY: ROMAR M. AMADOR
 Intersubjectivity
• A term originally coined by the philosopher
Edmund Husserl (1895-1938), is most simply
stated as the interchange of thoughts and
feelings, both conscious and unconscious,
between two person or “subject,” as
facilitated by empathy.
• We cannot understand other persons by
simply observing them from a distance. We
need to genuinely listen to them. It is in
communication where they open up their
unique world to us. It is only through
communication where we can have access to
their inner reality.
• Intersubjectivity is a structure of relationship
that is supported by genuine communication.
ACTIVITY
• Based on the results of the previous activity, some of you
will fall under the “cool” category, while others will be
under the “spunky” or “spirited”. Truly, we are all unique
individuals. Most of the time, we look at our differences
and may have “labels” toward one another. You can be a
“misfit”, a “loner”, a “partygoer” or “easy-go-lucky”. In our
lives, somehow, we have collected and given labels
ourselves toward others. Though we are part of our
society, we are still different individuals living in this
society. Each of us will have different appearances or
points of view. This chapter focuses on building strength
despite our various differences.
• Labels could be negative or limiting. You may be
called “impatient”, “whiny” or “stubborn”.
Nevertheless, we could go beyond the labels,
we are holistic. As humans, we are to be
regarded in our totality. Thus, we can redesign
the labels to something new and exciting. So,
instead of “impatient”, you are “compelling”. If
one is “whiny”, you are “analytical” and if one is
“stubborn” one is “assertive” or “persistent.”
 HOW DO WE AS
HUMAN PERSONS
RELATE WITH
OTHERS?
• Our ability to engage in meaningful interactions
with other people, our surroundings, and
everything around us is rooted in our capacity for
self-awareness and transcendence. Before we
begin to relate with others, we must first be aware
of ourselves as rational individuals capable of
determined and reasonable actions. Interpersonal
relations are made possible when the self
becomes aware of the other, which includes
everyone and everything outside of the self.
• Our human nature not only enables us to
recognize the self that defines our individuality,
it also enables us to recognize that other
human beings also possess a self. We are able
to relate meaningfully with other human beings
because we consider ourselves as essentially
the same. This notion of recognizing the self in
the other is how philosophers define
interpersonal relations.
• The interaction between the self and the other
is related to the philosophical concept of
intersubjectivity, which is the mutual recognition
of each other as persons. Intersubjectivity also
carries the meaning of “a unique relationship
between distinct subjects.” It refers to the
characteristic of the human person to engage in
a very intimate and personal relationship with
others who are different from him or her but
who are also like him or her.
What Characterizes
Genuine Human
Interactions?
• Since our human nature drives us to uphold dignity and
goodness, our interactions with others are also geared
toward what is good and beneficial. These lead humans
to strive to achieve deeper and more substantial
interactions and relations with other people. This
deeper and more genuine interaction is called a
dialogue, and this is made possible when the self
realizes that the other is genuine and unique individual.
When two individuals begin to view each other as an
otherthat is, truly acknowledging each other’s presence-
then that is the beginning of an authentic relationship
and dialogue.
• A dialogue occurs when two persons “open up”
to each other and give and receive one another
in their encounter. Genuine dialogue occurs
when persons are willing to share themselves
with one another. The awareness of each
other’s presence as a true person is defined by
the acceptance of each other’s uniqueness and
differences. When each individual enters into a
dialogue with this mindset, then it is truly a
dialogue between equals.
HOW DOES INTERSUBJECTIVITY DEFINE
OUR INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER PERSONS?
• Philosophers agree that it is important for
humans to pursue and achieve genuine
relationships to attain development. Human
persons naturally seek and are able to
achieve and maintain genuine, meaningful
relations with each other.
• A. Empathy
- or the ability to share emotions, is an
important aspect of intersubjectivity. This
emotion is driven by a person’s awareness that
the other is a person with thoughts and feelings.
Human persons are actively aware of the
emotional states of other people, and they use
this information to determine their own actions
and behavior. Empathy enables us to experience
another person’s emotions.
• B. Availability,
• or the willingness of a person to be present and
be at the disposal of another.
• C. Ethics of Care
- is an ethical theory that emphasizes the moral dimension
of relationships and interactions. This moral perspective
encourages individuals to help other people, most
especially the vulnerable. Proponents of the ethics of care
believe that people have moral obligation to respond to
the needs of other people; and cannot turn a blind eye on
the problems of others. People relate to each other in
different ways and this gives rise to varying degrees of
dependence among people. Those who are able to help or
give assistance should consider the specific needs of the
people they are helping.
• Not all human interactions, however are positive.
There are those who view other people negatively
and consider human actions as being influenced by
selfish interests. This pessimistic view considers
human relationships frustrating and often
inauthentic or deceptive. A person that adopts this
negative view is said to be experiencing alienation.
This arises when a person ceases to view the other
as a distinct and authentic person and merely
considers the other person as a mere object or a
means to satisfy personal interest.
 How can philosophy
help you evaluate your
relationships with
others?
• Important values related to intersubjectivity include
acceptance of differences and embracing diversity.
We understand that each person is unique,
therefore, differences will exist among groups of
people. When we look at physical traits and even
behavior, we can see that no two persons look and
think the same. When we consider views, beliefs
and ideas the differences become much more
pronounced. We have to accept that people will
have different views and beliefs. What unites us al is
our shared humanity and dignity.
• The recognition of our shared humanity and dignity
is what drives us to extend assistance and act with
concern towards others, especially toward
individuals or groups that experience hardships
and discrimination. For instance, those who are
physically and mentally challenged often
experience hardships because of their condition.
We have to realize, however, that these individuals
despite their limitations, can have some skills as
those who are fully able in mind and body.
• HELEN KELLER (1880-1968)
• An American author, political activist and the
first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor’s
degree. Helen went to attend an institute for
the blind and deaf, and at the age of 16 entered
Cambridge School for Young Ladies.
• NICHOLAS JAMES “NICK” VUJICIC (Born
1982)
• An Australian evangelist and motivational
speaker who was born with phocomelia, a
condition in which a person is born with no
arms or legs. Nick’s condition meant that in his
early years were full of challenges.in 205, he
founded Life Without Limbs, a non -profit
organization and ministry. He currently lives in
California with his wife and two sons.
• ROSELLE AMBUBUYOG (born 1980)
The first visually-inspired Filipino to graduate
summa cum laude from Ateneo de
ManilaUniversity in 2001. Roselle lost her
eyesight at the age of six due to illness. Despite
her handicap, she was consistent academic
excellent performance in school enabled her to
participate in regular classes which sighted
students.