Lesson 6: Intersubjectivity

Inquire and Discover

Humans have the natural and universal tendency to relate, to establish

attachments, and seek close relationships with other people. Our human nature
drive us to reach out to other people and interact with them in meaningful ways.
Take a look at the following pictures and try to describe the relationship between
the family members.
Which of these situation do you prefer? We understand that a harmonious
relationship between people is very important. You have to maintain good relations
with your family, friends, schoolmates, and the people in your community for your
activities to be productive, meaningful, and beneficial.

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 determine and reasonable action. Interpersonal
relations are made possible when the self becomes aware of the other, which
includes everyone and everything outside of the self.
Take a moment to look at your seatmate. Are you aware of his or her existence?
The answer is yes, since you can perceive your seatmate through your senses. Your
classmate is the other, or a being that exist outside of your self. Now take a look at
an object on your desk. It may be a pencil, ballpen, piece of paper, or any object.
That object is also an other,as it is a thing that also exist outside of your self. Now,
which of the following actions is more reasonable?

You begin talking to your classmate, telling him or her about a funny experience
you had in school.

You begin talking to the ballpen on your desk, telling it about a funny experience
you had in school.
 Of course, you will select the first statement, since it describes reasonable and
logical human act. You only interact with objects when you need to use them. You
reach out for the pencil and paper only when you need to write, and you do not
need to talk to these objects to enable them to enact their purpose. Interacting with
human beings, however, is a more complex act. What drives human persons to
interact with their fellow humans in a more meaningful way?
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 posses 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. It cannot be denied that we interact with others begin in the world, but
some of these beings that we interact with are persons and must be recognized as
such. Intersubjectitivity also carries the meaning of “a unique relationship
between distinct subjects” it refers to the characteristics of the human person to
engage in a very few intimate and personal relationship with others who are
different from him or her but who are also like him or her. This is possible because
the person has an inner life or interiority. Having an inner life allows a person to
become closer to others in many different ways. In everyday social interactions,
persons have the ability to agree and cooperate with each other. There is also the
experience of shared or “common” knowledge and shared emotions such as grief,
joy, and love.
A closer look at everyday interactions reveals instances where the self interacts
with the other. Philosophers identify various levels of self-other interactions. The
first is the simple awareness of the existence of the other. When we see other
people walking down the street, we are aware that there are other beings unique
from us, and that they exist outside of our own awareness or perception.
A deeper level of interaction between the self and the other, on the other hand, is
the awareness of the self as being seen by others. Imagine, for instance, that one of
the people you are watching suddenly stops and looks straight at you. You are
immediately aware of this person’s action as an other- this stranger is looking at
your direction. Also, you are aware of another significant fact- you know that the
stranger staring at you is aware of you as a person. This self consciousness is
considered by philosophers as a defining characteristic of the self-other
relationship. Now imagine that the person is not stranger but someone familiar: a
family member, a friend, even your crush. This awareness of the person staring at
you will initially result in a feeling of self-consciousness ,even shame. In fact,
several questions will begin to run in your head, such as “What is he or she
thinking when he or she looks at me?” Am I doing something wrong? “Is there
something wrong with the way I look?” “is he or she about to say something to
me?”

The unique phenomenon of the human gaze is considered a defining

characteristic which sets apart human interaction from the interaction of other
species. Also, the awareness of the “self in the other” is an important element in all
other aspects of interpersonal interactions. The way we act with other people is
often influenced by our ideas of how these people see us. Therefore, if we have the
idea that our parents think of us as quiet and obedient, we often act with that way
with them. However, when we are with our friends and we think that they see us as
outgoing and boisterous, we also adjust our behaviour to conform with how we
think they expect us to act. This is also true when considering social contexts: how
we behave in church is different from our behaviour in a lively party.
These actions are referred to as “seeming” – where an individual presents
himself or herself in a certain way when dealing with others. Persons take on
“roles” or act out characters when dealing with certain people or when certain
situations. This is considered as an unconscious, natural act on the part of humans.
However, there may be instances when people behave a certain way in order to
intentionally deceive or manipulate other people. Surely you have heard of the
terms “plastic” and “sipsip”, which refer to manipulative behaviors that are done
by some people in pursuit of selfish interests.

What characterizes a genuine human interaction?

Most human interactions, however, are not based on deception. 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 dialogue, and this is
made possible when the self realizes that the other is a genuine and unique
individual. When two individuals begin to view each other as an other- that is,
truly acknowledging each other’s presence- then that is the beginning of an
authentic relationship and a dialogue.
 A dialogue is an interaction between persons that happens through speech or the
use of words, expressions, and body language. The person is a being who is open
to others, and is capable of receiving others in a dialogue. Ordinarily, we think of it
as a kind of communication that is usually occurs through a conversation.
However, it must be noted that the dialogue is not confined to words. Actions,
gestures and other expressions may be used to convey a person’s inner life.
Because persons are beings with inner lives, the words uttered during a dialogue
are rooted in each person’s inner life. Whenever a person speaks, he or she express
a personal interiority and communicates this part of himself or herself to another
person. This a reason why it is not possible to have a dialogue with material object,
a plant, or even a pet. Only beings with interiority or an inner life can engage in a
dialogue.
A person’s words, expressions, and body language become the means by which
he or she is able to express a part of himself or herself to another person. Apart
from expressing and conveying oneself, the person is also capable of receiving the
words, thoughts, emotions, and ideas of another person. This dialogue, therefore,
becomes a means by which persons are able to share in each other’s lives.
The notion of a dialogue becomes clearer when we reflect on the nature of our
conversations with other people. The conversations we have with casual
conversations with other people often consist of discussing news or occurrences.
We often conduct our normal conversations in this manner. But when we are with
friends and family, we are dilemmas, you will not engage a random stranger on the
street in a conversation about whether or not you should give up your ambitions in
life for the welfare of your family. Instead, you will seek out a person whom you
consider most trustworthy and reliable to listen to your thoughts and concerns.
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. The
human person is considered as a “being with others” which means that his or her
identity and destiny are shaped by relating with others. Human existence is a
continual dialogue with the other, and that the self becomes whole through
interaction with other people and his or her surroundings.
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 person are actively aware of the
emotional states of other people, and they use this information to determine their
own actions and behaviour. Empathy enables us to experience another person’s
emotion, such as happiness ,anger, and sadness. In a manner of speaking, sympathy
is “feeling with” and empathy is “feeling in.”
For instance, how would you behave around a friend who just informed you that
his or her parent has died? Empathy enables you not only to share your friend’s
grief and offer him or her comfort during a difficult experience, but also to feel the
grief of that person even if it wasn’t your own relative’s death. Persons can also
share more positive emotions such as joy and pride. Examples,include basketball
enthusiasts celebrating their favourite team’s victory, and parents taking pride in
their child’s achievement during graduation.
By allowing us to share in another person’s emotions, empathy also enables us to
place ourselves in their shoes.

Another characteristic of meaningful and genuine human relationship is

availability, or the willingness of a person to be present and be at the disposal of
another.
You may have encountered a situation where you needed help.For instance, you
went to an unfamiliar place and cannot locate the place where you are supposed to
go.What will you do?You might think of asking directions from the people living
in the area. How will you feel if you were asking directions, but the people you
were asking kept ignoring you? What will you think about these people? Lets say a
stranger approaches you in the street asking for help. What will be your first
reaction? Will you try and help that person or will you ignore him or her?

The 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 one 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.
Look at the following pictures. What can you do to lend assistance to these
people?

Not all human interactions, however, are positive. There are those words who
view other people negatively and consider human actions as being influenced by
selfish interest. 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.
You might have encountered people who behave in a rude and offensive manner
against others whom they consider “different” from them. We often hear the term
“matapobre” used to describe well-off people who look down on other people that
they consider “poor”. In restaurants, you might have heard a customer berating the
serving staff and even insulting them for committing a mistake. How did you feel
when you encountered these situations?

Our human nature drives us to feel indignation against these kinds of behaviour
because we know that these actions are an insult to human dignity. Feelings or
views of alienation, if left unaddressed, give rise to negative views and actions
directed against a persons. Alienation goes against the concept of personhood
because this view discounts the humanity and dignity of a person and leads to
dehumanization.

Imagine that your schoolmates cease to call each other by their names and
instead choose to highlight their physical flaws. This with dark skin will be called
“Negro” or “Negra”, those with a speech impediment will be called “Ngongo”,
those who lack height will be called “Pandak”, and those who are not attractive
will be called “Panget”. And let’s imagine that those who do not posses these
physical flaws will consider themselves “superior” and act as if those with flaws do
not deserve to belong in school and should therefore be treated unfairly. Do you
think that there will still be harmony in your school?
Imagine if you were one of these people being ridiculed. How would you feel if
you were treated in this manner? What do you think will happen if this behaviour
becomes prevalent in our society?
Society must be founded on relationships and bonds established through mutual
respect and recognition of human dignity. If we recognize that the other person is
the same as ourselves, if we consider him or her as an individual with dignity, as a
person no different from us, then we will be able to forge ties and build a
community of harmony.

How can philosophy help you evaluate your relationship with others?

Important values related to interesubjectivity include acceptance of differences

and embracing diversity.We understand that each other is unique,
therefore,differences will exist among groups of people. When we look at physical
traits and even behaviour, we can see that no two persons look and think the same.
We 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 all 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 hardship 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 the same skill as those who are fully able in mind and body.
They also have hopes and aspirations like as , and many of them have successfully
transcended their disabilities who have successfully risen above their physical
limitations to live productive lives include Helen Keller ,Nick Vujicic, and Roselle
Ambubuyog.

Helen Keller (1880-1968) was an American author, political activist, and the
first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor’s degree. She lost her hearing and sight
when she an infant due to an illness. Growing up, she developed a system of signs
to communicate with her family. When Helen was seven years old, she met Anne
Sullivan, a teacher who was herself visually-impaired. Anne taught Helen to
recognize objects and learn their names, and Helen quickly learned. Helen went on
to attend an institute for the blind and deaf, and at the age of 16 entered the
Cambridge school for young ladies. Four years later, she was admitted to Radcliffe
College. Helen was accompanied and guided by Anne Sullivan throughout her
studies. Despite being blind and deaf, Helen learned to “hear” people’s speech by
feeling their lips with her hands. She became proficient at using braille and reading
sign language. She eventually learned how to speak, and became a well-known
public speaker. Soon after graduating from college, Helen spent her time giving
speeches and writing books. At age 22, she published an autobiography, The Story
of My Life, which described her life and struggles growing up. The book became
the basis of a popular play titled The Miracle Worker

Nicholas James “Nick” Vujicic (born 1982) is an Australian evangelist and

motivational speaker who was born with phocomedia, a condition in which a
person is born with no arms or legs. Nick’s condition meant that his early years
were full of challenges. Nick was born with two small and deformed feet, and an
operation enabled him to use his toes to grab and manipulate objects. Because of
his condition he was bullied as he grew up, but it did not stop him pursuing his
dreams. At 21, he graduated with a degree in commerce and went to pursue a
career as a motivational speaker and evangelist. In 2005, 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) is the first visually-impaired Filipino to
graduate summa cum laude from Ateneo de Manila University in 2001. Roselle
lost her eyesight the age of six due to an illness. Despite her handicap, she was a
consistent academic honoree in her school, graduating valedictorian in both
elementary and high school. Her excellent performance in school enabled her to
participate in regular classes with sighted students. In Ateneo, she studied
mathematics and the university supported Roselle by purchasing software and
equipment that made braille copies of exams, lecture notes, and other classroom
materials. Due to her outstanding students of the Philippines, the BPI Science
Award from the BPI Foundation, and the Gawad Sentenaryo Award from the
National Centennial Commission. Upon her graduation, Roselle continued to study
for a master’s degree and also devoted her efforts helping visually-impaired
students. She initiated “Project Roselle” together with the Rotary Club of Makati-
Ayala, and provided schools with software and equipment, such as computer and
printer, that will aid blind students in their studies. She work at Freedom Scientific,
Inc. as a consultant in developing software for people who are visually impaired
and those with learning disabilities. She also worked as a product and support
manager at code factor, which the world’s leading provider of software that allow
the visually-impaired to access mobile devices such as cell phones. Roselle is also
a motivational speaker and has given several talks and seminars to students,
teachers, professionals.
 Various advocacies supporting persons with disabilities have resulted in the
institution of events and commemorations such as the Paralymics, an international
sports competition modelled after the Olympics that features athletes with
disabilities. The united nations has also instituted days of awareness, such as
World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) ,
and International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) .Countries around
the world are encouraged to celebrate these days with activities that highlight
individuals with disabilities. In many of these events, people with disabilities
come together to showcase their abilities and talents in talent show, symposiums,
and conventions. This events bring together “able” and “disabled” people in the
spirit of friendship and cooperation.
Another group of people who experience hardship and discrimination are the
underprivileged. They have less in terms of material possessions. Despite the
differences in lifestyle, social class, and experience, our shared humanity allows us
to engage with each other respectfully and render assistance to each other. The act
of assistance or giving, however, must be done in the spirit of mutual respect. One
must extend help wholeheartedly, without reservation or a patronizing attitude. We
help those in need not because we need to feel better about ourselves, but we do it
out of an obligation to uphold the dignity of our fellow persons.
Apart from people with disabilities and the underprivileged, there are also others
who are left out or isolated from groups or society because they have been deemed
different. Who among your classmates is considered by many to be “weird” or
“different”?
How does this view affect the way you treat this particular classmate? Do you see
yourself befriending him or her? If you reflect on the way you relate to your
classmate, can you say that you have been treating him or her as a person?
Reflect on the people closest to you and evaluate if you have been engaging in
genuine dialogue with them. Can you see that your friends have helped you
become a better person?
Think of the other people in your life. Who do you feel can benefit from having a
friend?
Reflecting on our interactions can better inform us of the motivations that drive
us to reach out and interact with others. Knowledge of our capacity for
intersubjectivity and the opportunities it provides for fostering personal growth and
welfare will enable us to make better choices and decisions as we continue to relate
with others and uphold positive relationships in our lives.