Interpersonal Relations and Intersubjectivity

Study Notes

Interpersonal relations are influenced by three key concepts: self-awareness, individuality, and authenticity.
Self-awareness is understanding oneself as a distinct human being separate from other living beings.
Individuality refers to the awareness that each person should live their life on their own terms, distinct from others.
Authenticity is achieved when an individual's thoughts, ideas, and actions express and uphold their individuality.
For interpersonal relations to exist, there must be recognition of the self and the other.
The awareness of one's individuality is called the "self," while "the other" generally refers to objects outside of personal experience or to other individuals.

Intersubjectivity is the shared awareness and understanding among individuals.
It is evident in everyday social interactions, the ability of humans to agree and cooperate, shared knowledge and consensus, and shared emotions.

Philosophers identify various levels of self-other interaction.
The first level is the simple awareness of the existence of the other.
A deeper level is the awareness of the self as being seen by others.
This self-consciousness is a defining characteristic of the self-other relationship.
The human gaze is a defining characteristic that sets apart human interaction from other species.
The way we act with others is often influenced by our ideas of how they see us.
This influence is evident in how we act differently with family, friends, and in different social contexts.

Martin Buber refers to "seeming," where an individual presents themselves in a certain way when dealing with others.
Buber also describes people taking on specific "roles" or characters when dealing with certain people or in certain situations.
These are seen as unconscious, natural acts.
However, there may be instances of intentional deception or manipulation in how people behave.

Buber identifies dialogue as a deeper level of interaction that involves a genuine relationship between individuals.
This occurs when the self recognizes the other as a genuine and unique individual.
Dialogue begins with the recognition of the other's presence, leading to an authentic relationship.
Buber contrasts dialogue with monologue, which is the distancing of the self from the other.