Intersubjectivity and the Philosophy of Human Interaction

Foundations of Intersubjectivity

Intersubjectivity is defined as the mutual recognition of each other as persons and a unique relationship between distinct subjects. This concept is rooted in the human capacity for self-awareness and transcendence, enabling individuals to recognize that others also possess a self. Because humans have an inner life, or interiority, they can give themselves to others and receive others into their lives. This shared awareness allows for the experience of common knowledge and shared emotions like grief, joy, and love.

The Nature of Dialogue and Human Interaction

Dialogue is a genuine and deep interaction where individuals truly acknowledge each other's presence and open up to one another. It is not confined to speech but includes actions, gestures, and body language that convey a person's inner life. Authentic dialogue requires accepting the uniqueness and differences of others, treating them as equals. Within this interaction, the phenomenon of the human gaze serves as a defining characteristic; how individuals act is often influenced by their perception of how others see them.

Seeming and Alienation

Human interaction can sometimes involve "seeming," where individuals present themselves in specific roles or act out characters. While often an unconscious act, it can be used to intentionally deceive or manipulate, sometimes referred to as "plastic" or "sipsip" behavior. A more negative state is alienation, which occurs when a person ceases to view the other as a distinct person and instead treats them as an object or a means to satisfy personal interests. This can manifest in offensive behaviors like being "matapobre," where well-off individuals look down on those they consider poor, leading to dehumanization.

Empathy and the Ethics of Care

Empathy, described as "feeling in," is the ability to share the emotions of another person based on the awareness that they are also a thinking and feeling being. Closely related is the ethics of care, an ethical theory emphasizing the moral obligation to respond to the needs of others, particularly the vulnerable. Another vital characteristic of genuine relationships is availability—the willingness of a person to be present and at the disposal of another.

Embracing Diversity and Human Potential

Meaningful relationships are built on accepting differences and shared dignity. Many individuals have transcended physical limitations to live productive lives. Helen Keller (1880–1968) was an American author and the first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor's degree. Nicholas James "Nick" Vujicic (born 1982) is an Australian evangelist born with phocomelia who founded Life Without Limbs in 2005. Roselle Ambubuyog (born 1980) was the first visually-impaired Filipino to graduate summa cum laude from Ateneo de Manila University in 2001. Global inclusion is supported through the Paralympics and awareness days such as World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), World Autism Awareness Day (April 2), and International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3).

Questions & Discussion

What sets apart the people whom you are close to from the casual acquaintances in your life? Casual conversations often consist of news or occurrences, whereas interactions with family and friends involve personal issues like life goals, emotional problems, or moral dilemmas.

Who are the people that you consider the easiest to relate to? Whom do you find difficult to get along with? Human nature drives individuals to seek close relationships and establish attachments, though alienation can make relating to others difficult if they are viewed as objects.

What does having a meaningful relationship with others mean to you? Meaningful relationships are founded on values of acceptance, openness, and respect, acknowledging the other as a genuine and unique individual.

What enables human persons to establish meaningful interactions with others? The root is the human capacity for self-awareness and transcendence.

How is intersubjectivity related to self-awareness and transcendence? Interpersonal relations are made possible when the self becomes aware of the other as a being existing outside of the self.

How does establishing "dialogue" with others benefit a person? It allows the self to become whole through interaction with other people and their surroundings.

How does empathy enable persons to establish genuine relationships with others? It enables individuals to share another person's emotions and place themselves in their shoes, driven by the awareness of the other's humanity.

Why is alienation a threat to genuine human relationships? It discounts the humanity and dignity of persons, leading to dehumanization and treating others as mere objects for personal gain.