Republic of the Philippines

Division of Davao City

TOYOZU TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION INC.
#25 Dacudao Avenue Agdao, Davao City

INTRODUCTION
TO THE
PHILOSOPHY OF
THE HUMAN
PERSON
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
(Grade 12 - Second Quarter)
WEEK 3
(January 4, 2021 – January 8, 2021)

Mr. Marcel B. Imperial

MODULE 3
S.Y. 2020 - 2021
Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person
Lesson 10: Intersubjectivity

Specific Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, the learners will be able to:
1. Understand intersubjectivity
2. Appreciate the talents of persons with disabilities and those from underprivileged
sectors.
3. Perform activities demonstrating the talents of persons with disabilities and those
from the underprivileged sectors of society.

ABSTRACTION

Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on

Others

Perhaps, based on the results of the activity, some of you will fall under the “Cool”
category, while others will be under the “Spunky” or “Spirited”. Truly, we are all unique
individuals. Most of the time, we look at our differences and may have “labels” toward one
another. You can be “Misfit”, a “Loner”, a “Partygoer” or “Easy-go-lucky”. In our lives,
somehow, we have collected and given labels ourselves toward others.

Through we are part of our society; we are still different individuals living in this
society. Each of us will have different appearances or points of view. This chapter focuses
on building strength despite our various differences.

Labels could be negative or limiting. You may be called “impatient”, “whinny” or

“stubborn”. Nevertheless, we could go beyond the labels, for as emphasized in this lesson,
as humans, we are holistic. As a human, we are to be regarded in our totality. Thus, we can
redesign the labels to something new and exciting. So, instead of “impatient”, you are
“compelling”. If one is “whinny”, you are “analytical” and if one is “stubborn”, one is
“assertive” or “persistent”.

If the negative labels can be contagious, so can the positive ones. Let us focus on the
positive, for these labels can strengthen not just your relationships among your friends, but
most especially to your family.

Intersubjectivity as Ontology: The Social Dimensions of the Self

For this section, Martin Buber’s and Karol Wojtyla’s views will be used as the main
framework in understanding intersubjectivity. Both philosophers were influenced by their
religious background. They believed in the notion of concrete experience/existence of the
human person. They also think that one must not lose the sight of one’s self in concrete
experience. Both refused to regard the human person as a composite of some kind of
dimensions, such as animality and rationality.

For both views, the human person is total, not dual. For Wojtyla, the social dimension
is represented by “We relation” and for Buber, the interpersonal is signified by the “I-You
relation”.
 Martin Buber is Jewish existentialist philosopher. He was born in Vienna and was
brought up in the Jewish tradition. In his work I and thou (Ich and Du) (1923), he conceives
the human person in his/her wholeness, totality, concrete existence and relatedness to the
world.

For Wojtyla, action reveals the nature of the human agent. Participation explains the
essence of the human person. Through participation, the person is able to fulfill one’s self.
The human person is oriented toward relation and sharing in the communal life for the
common good. As St. Augustine of Hippo said, “No human being should become an end
to him/herself. We are responsible to our neighbors as we are to our own actions.”

Buber’s I-thou philosophy is about the human person as a subject, who is a being
different from things or from objects. The human person experiences his wholeness not in
virtue of his relation to one’s self, but in virtue of his relation to another self. The human
person establishes the world of mutual relation, of experience.

The human persons as subjects have direct and mutual sharing of selves. This
signifies a person-to-person, subject-to-subject relation or acceptance, sincerity, concern,
respect, dialog and care. The human person is not just being-in-the-world but being-with-
others or being-in-relation.

In contrast, to realm of meeting and dialog, Buber cites the I-thou relationship. This I-
Thou relationship is a person to thing, subject to object that is merely experiencing and
using; lacking directedness and mutuality (feeling, knowing and acting).

ACTIVITY 10.0

What is your impression about the picture and statement below? Write your
answer in your notebook.

1. What is intersubjectivity? How is it related with respect?

2. Do you know people who have disabilities and underprivileged?
How do you deal with them?