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Intro To Philo 13 Handout

The document discusses the concept of intersubjectivity and how humans relate to each other in society. It provides examples from religious texts and the philosophies of Confucius, Martin Buber, and Karol Wojtyla to illustrate how intersubjectivity is an inherent part of human existence and our relationships with others.

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9 views

Intro To Philo 13 Handout

The document discusses the concept of intersubjectivity and how humans relate to each other in society. It provides examples from religious texts and the philosophies of Confucius, Martin Buber, and Karol Wojtyla to illustrate how intersubjectivity is an inherent part of human existence and our relationships with others.

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Chair of St.

Peter School 2nd Quarter – Handouts#13


Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Intersubjectivity
We usually hear the saying, “No man is an
island.” There is no doubt that an average person
understands this quotation but despite the universal
understanding we have about it, we still express in
various ways our belief on “being with others.” We
have varying degrees of affection and regard
towards others and to ourselves as well which may
come from our unique experiencing of social reality.
In fact, questions may be raised about the
motivation of human beings in maintaining social relations. Do we only establish and keep relationship
with others in order to avoid chaos in the world? Or are we only driven by benevolence? These are some
queries on the issue of intersubjectivity which this lesson will shed light on.

The Parable of a Good Samaritan


In the parable, it is hard to imagine that a Samaritan would help a Jew since he is considered by
the Jewish society as an outcast. But what happened was the other way around – he helped the Jew
despite of their differences and the unfair treatment to him. This story clearly explains how man can go
beyond cultural considerations and how one can overcome grudges to performing an ethical act towards
a needy person.
It may be considered as unusual phenomenon in the present social realm but the story tells us it
is never impossible. Like the Good Samaritan, you may have encounter strangers who need help. If
there is/are any incident/s you helped somebody unknown to you, please narrate your experience/s
below. Tell how you overcame your fear of strangers and what made you decide to help the person/s.
But if you don’t have any experience, tell us what you would do if you encounter one and why would
you help them.

Intersubjectivity in General

Philosophy, unlike Theology, does not use primarily biblical texts in its pursuit, though some
religious texts are morally worthy to be examples in explaining philosophical ideas like the previous
reading we had. The Parable of the Good Samaritan clearly explains the phenomenon of
intersubjectivity in the human world. Though it focuses on the Kingdom of God, it still validates the
importance of intersubjective relations of man.
Intersubjectivity is a coined word from the prefix “inter” which connotes “among and between”
and the philosophical term “subject” that is equivalent to a conscious being. Thus, intersubjectivity
would mean in the general sense as “sharing of subjective states by two or more individuals.” (Scheff
2006). It is the organic union of the subjective reality and the objective reality of beings. Meaning to
say, as a person, we have a personal regard to self but we cannot deny the fact (objective – fact of reality
we all share) that we live with others so we also regard them as part of ourselves. We tend to place
ourselves in others’ shoes and relate to them in good ways as possible.

Intersubjectivity as Ontology: The Social Dimension of the Self

Intersubjectivity is universal. It exists when and where humans exist. It is an undeniable reality
which thinkers could not help but discuss. Here are some philosophers who took philosophical inquiry
on intersubjectivity:
1. Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.) – one of the main ideas of Confucianism is Ren or “human-
heartedness.” It is a virtue central to man that can be found in his sociality or intersubjectivity. In his
philosophy, Confucius stresses order and harmony in the world. His aims can be achieved through
practical, concrete, particular, and perceptual ways. This means Confucian thinking on intersubjectivity
is practical humanism. There is an emphasis on human actions in sociality. He calls every man to love
the other through actions, not through thoughts.
2. Martin Buber (1878-1965) – is a Jewish philosopher who introduced the “I-Thou” and “I-It”
relationships to embody his philosophy of intersubjectivity. For Buber, we have to treat another person
as a subject (a being different from things or objects). Persons are not inanimate objects to be used. They
have their own mind and free will, thus, we have to respect others as we respect ourselves. “I” refers to
the self and “Thou” or “You” refers to others. This “I- Thou” relationship is the most meaningful
relationship in the realm of humanity. The “I” is the same with the “Thou” and there should be mutual
relationship between them. We can only recognize the self in the context of the other. This is a “person-
to-person” relationship, “subject-to-subject” relation. We need to accept, respect, be sincere, and have
dialogue with the other.
3. Karol Wojtyla (1920-2005) – He is also St. John Paul II but as a philosopher, we use his real name.
For Wojtyla, human action is the foundation of our being. But human reality is also about being with
others, so our actions are also directed towards others. This form of action is now called “Participation.”
In the theory of participation, man has the capacity to share himself to others. This affirms the reality
that man acts and exists with others. He is a member of the community of persons, a community of “I-
You” or “We.” Since man is a member of this community, his experience with others gives him
meaning and allows him to create meaning with others.

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