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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Module 2 Quarter 2

Intersubjectivity
In this module, the learner will be able to:
• Realize that intersubjectivity requires accepting differences and not to impose on to others
• Explain that authentic dialogue means accepting others even if they are different from themselves
• Performs activities that demonstrate an appreciation for the talents of persons with disabilities and those from the
underprivileged sectors of society

WHAT’S IN?
Lesson 2.1: What is Intersubjectivity?
In one of the past chapters of this module, we have learned that a human person has self-awareness, self-
determination, externality, and dignity. We have explored that a person recognizes what he or she is and what he or
she can do. Further, we have learned that a person is a social being and since the establishment of the first form of
civilization has thrived because of the links and relationship one has. 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 one of your
family members. Are you aware of his or her existence? If your answer is yes, then you are correct since you can
perceive your family member through your senses. Your classmate is the other, a being that exists outside of yourself.
Now look at an object at your desk. It may be a pencil, ball-pen, piece of paper, or any object. That object is also
another, as it is a thing that also exists outside of yourself. Now, which of the following actions is more reasonable?
Now, which of the following actions is more reasonable?

Of course, you will select the left statement since it describes a 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 function. Interacting, with other 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 enable us to recognize the self that defines our individuality, it also enables us to
recognize that other human beings also possesses a self. We can 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.

Intersubjectivity
Is a philosophical concept that explore 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 unique relationship between distinct subjects. It
refers to the characteristics 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 ways. In everyday social interactions, persons could 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
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 another which is the stranger looking at your direction. Also,
you are aware of another significant fact that 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.

Look at the images above. The image on the left is a boy staring at his crush while the one on the right is a man
talking to a woman while her child awkwardly stares at the man. Now, which among the two situations depict the “self”
acknowledging the “other”? Which among the two situation shows an internal reaction unique only to the “self” and the
“other” he or she perceives? Lastly, if you are in both situations, which of the two would elicit the most emotions out of
you? Would it be staring at your crush or staring at a stranger?
This 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. These actions are referred to as “seeming”, where an individual presents himself or herself
in a certain way when dealing with others. Person's take on role or app out characters when dealing with certain
people or when in certain situations. This is considered as an unconscious, natural app on the part of humans.
Lesson 2.2: Elements of Interpersonal Relationships
Most human interactions, however, are not based on deception period since our human nature drives us to uphold
dignity and goodness, our interactions with others are also geared toward what is good and beneficial. This led
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 another that is and truly
acknowledging each other’s presence, then that is the beginning of an authentic relationship and a dialogue.
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED :
INSTRUCTIONS: Fill the blanks with the right words to make the statement correct.
➢ A person's ability to engage in meaningful interactions with other people, his or her surroundings, and things around
him or her, is rooted in the human capacity for ______________ and _______________.
➢ __________________ refers to the shared awareness and understanding among persons. It is made possible by
the awareness of the self and the other.
➢ _____________ is the way a person presents himself or herself when dealing with others, this is considered a
natural and often unconscious act.
➢ A deep in general relationship between persons is called a dialogue. _________ happens when two persons truly
acknowledge each other’s presence and treat each other as equals.
➢ ____________ is an important aspect of Inter subjectivity and is driven by a person's awareness of the emotions
and thoughts of other people. It enables a person to place himself or herself in the shoes of others and leads to a
greater understanding an appreciation of others.
➢ ____________ refers to the willingness of a person to be present for another and to render assistance to another.
➢ Meaningful and beneficial human relationships are founded on the values of acceptance, openness, and respect.
As humans, were driven by our shared dignity to treat each other with respect and acceptance.

ASSESSMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Write TRUE is the statement is correct and FALSE if it is wrong. Write your answers on a separate piece of paper.

______1. Intersubjectivity refers to shared awareness and understanding among people.

______2. Man has the natural tendency to establish relationships with other people.
______3. The views and ideas of other people, as well as social context do not influence our behavior as individuals.
______4. We are primarily aware of people as objects and not as persons.
______5. Seeming refers to the capacity of individuals to engage in genuine interaction with others.
______6. An authentic relationship is possible only if individuals acknowledge each other's presence as persons.
______7. Availability refers to the willingness for person to make himself or herself available for another.
______8. All humans find it difficult to have meaningful relationships with others.
______9. Empathy requires an individual to accept the other as a thinking, feeling person.
______10. It is not important to care about the welfare of others to establish a dialogue.

***END OF MODULE 2 Quarter 2 PHILOSOPY**

PREPARED BY : SAB ANTONI

Subject Teacher