L2: Intersubjectivity

Intersubjectivity

• Shared understanding and interaction between individuals

Inter

Between (as in happening between two things)

Subjectivity

The quality of being based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

Isolated

In intersubjectivity, human beings are not __

Human person

In the context of the ___, intersubjectivity emphasizes that human existence is relational

Relational

In the context of the human person, intersubjectivity emphasizes that human existence is ___

Relationships with others

Our personal experiences are always influenced by our ___

Social

Our personal experiences and identities are inherently __

Consciousness of others

Human consciousness if not fully autonomous but is always engaged with the ___

The Role of Dialogue and Communication

Involves individuals actively engaging with one another and establishing relationships

Dialogue

• Individuals actively engage with one another

• Through this exchange, a mutual understanding is formed

• Central feature of intersubjectivity

Communication

• We do not merely convey information, but also establish relationships

• Words, gestures, and expressions

Intersubjectivity and the Formation of Identity

• Our self-concept is shaped in part by how others perceive and respond to us

• Human beings learn who they are by interacting with others

Self-concept

This is shaped in part by how others perceive and respond to us

George Herbert Mead

• Self emerges from social interactions

• “Social self” where our understanding of ourselves is not purely self-generated

Social self

• Emphasizes that individuals internalize the perspectives of others, which then become part of their self-identity

• Our understanding of ourselves is not purely self-generated

Martin Buber’s I-Thou Relationship

One of the most profound philosophical explorations of intersubjectivity comes from him for introducing the concept of this relationship

I-It relationship

We relate to others as objects of things based on their utility or function

I-Thou relationship

• We encounter others as whole persons

• Is the foundation of meaningful human interaction

Emmanuel Levinas and the Ethics of the Other

We are automatically called to respond to others with responsibility and care

Vulnerability and Humanity

Levinas emphasizes that the face-to-face encounter with another person reveals their ___

Applications of Intersubjectivity in Empathy

Intersubjectivity is not just a philosophical concept for it is a guide for living in a world where human connection is vital

Empathy

One of the most practical applications of intersubjectivity is ___

Empathy

• Central to building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community

• Through this, we recognize the shared humanity of others

• The ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes and understand their feelings, thoughts, and experiences

The Social and Ethical Dimensions of Intersubjectivity

Intersubjectivity has significant __ and __ dimensions

Social

On a __ level, society itself is built on the interactions between individuals

Intersubjective Communication

Norms, values, and structures that govern societies are products of shared understandings formed through __

Ethical

On a __ level, intersubjectivity calls for a deep respect for the individuality and dignity of every person and challenges us to see others not as mere instruments

George Herbert Mead

Self emerges from social interactions, “social self”

Martin Buber

I-It and I-Thou

Emmanuel Levinas

Ethical implications