INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Senior High School

1. Explain the meaning of authentic dialogue by using the following keywords:

A. "Otherness" of the other
Humans differ from perspective, thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and etc. As what
the "otherness" of the other implies, humans are at state of being different or unique
from one another. So, when different people start a conversation, authentic dialogue
can be present if and only if they talk with exchanging true and accurate ideas that can
be based on their genuine emotions. In other words, authentic dialogue in "otherness"
of the other is present if there is a real and honest conversation from two or more
person with contrasting or distinct ideas.
B. The other remains infinitely transcendent, infinitely foreign
Given the fact that we are all imperfect, we also understood that we have our
own limitations that put us in a situation where we can say that others are much better
than us since their knowledge is greater or vice versa. With this fact, we cannot avoid
conversations that might exceed to what we expected, conversations that we might
think far different and unusual to our ordinary experiences. This kind of conversation
might actually lead to conflicts or can be an authentic one. Therefore, authentic
dialogue when the other remains infinitely transcendent is when one starts to listen
and understand what is the real meaning of the talk rather than thinking that he/she
was degraded.
C. Moral humility
Moral humility is when you humble yourself not because it is what you
want others will do to you but because it is who you are. When we talk honestly and
humbly to others without thinking about their moral status, that's when we are having
an authentic dialogue. To be humble is to talk to other people with real feeling, real
and accurate ideas and with an honest heart. If that happens, we are starting an
authentic dialogue that is not based on life's standards.

2. Explain genuine dialogue by relating it to the following different barriers of

genuine dialogue:
A. Totalization
When totalization occurs, genuine dialogue can be terminated. In order for
genuine dialogue to continue its role even with totalization, one should totalize not
focusing on the negative side but instead focus on the bright and positive side. This
doesn't mean that one will fake story in order to tell positive comments, it just simply
means to be concern of what others might feel when they are told of something harsh
and hurtful. To have genuine conversation even with totalization, one should put
his/her self on the shoes of the other, that way negativity of totalization can be
minimized and genuine conversation can be preserved.
B. Labeling, reducing person into social categories
. Genuine dialogue cannot be entirely practiced once there are labels of each
person according to his/her social category. When there is partiality, the tendency of
degrading another person is high and so, genuine dialogue is missed. But then, if and
only if there is impartiality, genuine conversation can be practiced with the thought
that nobody is higher or lower than the other.
C. The assumption of sameness
When one assumes that he/she is the same with the other, genuine dialogue
can be blocked. Since one already assumes, he/she will then avoid starting a
conversation knowing that they are already on the same page of his/her ideas. To
avoid blocking genuine dialogue in assuming sameness, one should always remember
that each one is different and unique. That way assumptions can be controlled.
D. Familiarity
When a person become familiar with another person, he/she might start on
making jokes and say sarcastic words without realizing what the other might feel.
Since there familiar with one another, the other might think that it's okay to say
hurtful words sometimes but that is wrong. Familiarity is a good way to start a good
relationship, but sometimes it can also be a root for a silent war. When one becomes
over familiar, harsh words can be directly noticed and so, genuine conversation might
lose its track over a heartfelt talk.