INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE

HUMAN PERSON
Quarter 2
LESSON 2: INTERSUBJECTIVITY
What Philosophers Say About Intersubjectivity
INTERSUBJECTIVITY
-is a coined word from the prefix “inter” which Intersubjectivity is universal. It exists when
connotes “among and between” and the and where humans exist. It is an undeniable
philosophical term “subject” that is equivalent to reality which thinkers could not help but discuss.
a conscious being. Here are some philosophers who took philosophical
-is the organic union of the subjective reality and inquiry on intersubjectivity: 1.Confucius (551-479
the objective reality of beings. B.C.E.) – one of the main ideas of Confucianism is
Ren or “human-heartedness.” It is a virtue
INTERSUBJECTIVITY central to man that can be found in his
-“ a unique relationship between distinct
sociality or intersubjectivity. In his philosophy,
subjects”.
Confucius stresses order and harmony in the
It refers to the characteristics of the human
person to engage in a very intimate and personal world. His aims can be achieved through practical,
relationship with others who are different from concrete, particular, and perceptual ways. This
him or her but who are also like him/her. It allows means Confucian thinking on intersubjectivity is
a person to become closer to others in many practical humanism. There is an emphasis on
different ways. In every social interactions, human actions in sociality. He calls every man to
persons have the ability to agree and cooperate love the other through actions, not through
with each other. There is also the experience of thoughts.
shared or “common” knowledge and shared
emotions such as grief, joy and love. 2.Martin Buber (1878-1965) – is a Jewish
philosopher who introduced the “I-Thou” and “I-It”
“SEEMING” action refers to the way a person relationships to embody his philosophy of
presents himself or herself when dealing with intersubjectivity. For Buber, we have to treat
others. This is considered a natural and often
another person as a subject (a being different from
unconscious act. Some people, however, engage in
things or objects). Persons are not inanimate
seeming actions to deceive and manipulate others.
objects to be used. They have their own mind and
A deep and genuine relationships between persons free will, thus, we have to respect others as we
is called a DIALOGUE. Dialoque happens when respect ourselves. “I” refers to the self and “Thou”
two persons truly acknowledge each other’s or “You” refers to others. This “I Thou” relationship
presence and treat each others as equals. is the most meaningful relationship in the realm of
humanity. The “I” is the same with the “Thou” and
EMPATHY is an important aspect of there should be mutual relationship between them.
intersubjectivity and is driven by a person’s We can only recognize the self in the context of the
awareness of the emotions and thoughts of other
other. This is a “person-to-person” relationship,
people. It enables a person to place himself/herself
“subject-to-subject” relation. We need to accept,
in the shoes of others and leads to a greater
understanding and appreciation of others. respect, be sincere, and have dialogue with the
other.
AVAILABILITY refers to the willingness of a
3.Karol Wojtyla (1920-2005) – He is also St. John
person to be present for another and render
assistance to another. Paul II but as a philosopher, we use his real name.
For Wojtyla, human action is the foundation of our
The theory on the ethics of care emphasizes the being. But human reality is also about being with
moral dimension of human interactions. It believes others, so our actions are also directed towards
that people have a moral obligation to respond to others. This form of action is now called
the needs of others, and encourages individuals to “Participation.” In the theory of participation, man
extend help to people in need. has the capacity to share himself to others. This
affirms the reality that man acts and exists with
ALIENATION refers to the state when a person others. He is a member of the community of
ceases to view the other distinct and authentic
persons, a community of “I-You” or “We.” Since
person. Rather, the person considers others as
merely objects or means to satisfy personal man is a member of this community, his
interests or desires. experience with others gives him meaning and
allows him to create meaning with others.
 LILOAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu
Senior High School Department
S.Y. 2022- 2023
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

Q2-ACTIVITY 2.2-1

NAME: ________________________________________ YR.& SEC: ____________ SCORE: ______

Learning Task 4. Answer the questions briefly after reading the passage from the Bible.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37 (New International Version)
(1) On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked,
“what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
(2) “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

(3) He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your strength and with all your mind’ [a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor
as yourself.’[b]”
(4) “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

(5) But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

(6) In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he
was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went
away, leaving him half dead. (31) A priest happened to be going down the same
road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
(32) So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other
side. (33) But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he
saw him, he took pity on him. (34) He went to him and bandaged his wounds,
pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an
inn and took care of him. (35) The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them
to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you
for any extra expense you may have.’
(1) “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into
the hands of robbers?”
(2) The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told
him, “Go and do likewise.”
 Questions:
1. What virtue(s) does the parable show? Give the instance/s where you see those
virtue/s.
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2. What do you think is the reason why the Good Samaritan helped the stranger despite
their social differences?
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3. If you are the Samaritan, would you do the same? Justify your answer.
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LILOAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Q2-ACTIVITY 2.2-2

NAME: ________________________________________ YR.& SEC: ____________ SCORE: ______