Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

Lesson 6: Intersubjectivity

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 1n the
other 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 other beings
in the world, but some of these beings that we interact with are persons and must be recognized as such.
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. This is possible because the person has an inner life
or interiority. Having an inner life allows the person to give himself or herself to others. This "also allows the
individual to receive others in his or her life and relate with them. Intersubjectivity also allows a person to
become closer to others in many different wastn 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 interaction. 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 a 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

How do we as human persons relate with others?

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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 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 exists
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 exists 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.

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 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 behavior 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 behavior 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 in 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.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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 a genuine and unique individual. When two individuals begin to view each other as an other
that is, truly acknowledging each others 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 usually occurs through a conversation.
However, it must be noted that a 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 expresses a
personal interiority and communicates this part of himself or herself to another person. This is the reason why it
is not possible to have a dialogue with a 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. The dialogue, therefore,
becomes a means by which persons are able to share in each others’ lives.

The notion of a dialogue becomes clearer when we reflect on the nature of our conversations with other
people. The conversations you have with casual acquaintances are different from those with people who are
closest to you. 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
comfortable discussing more personal issues like life goals,
emotional problems, or moral 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.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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 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, 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 {friend who just informed you that his orher 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 favorite 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 relationships 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 for directions, but the people you were asking kept ignoring you? What
will you think about these people? Let's 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 relationship: 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 a 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.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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 interests.

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

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 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 pave 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 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 the same skills as those
who are fully able in mind and body. They also have hopes and
aspirations like us, and many of them have successfully transcended
their disabilities to become productive and happy individuals.
Examples of people with disabilities who have successfully risen
above their physical limitations to live productive lives include Helen Keller, Nick Vujicic, Roselle
Ambubuyog and Faith Anne Mabilog.
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