Intersubjectivity and Being with the Other

Intersubjectivity

• "The realm of existence to which the preposition ‘with’ properly applies" (Marcel, 1950: 180).
• Refers to the domain of intersubjective existence where beings are in relation with each other.
• Beings are present to each other.
• Beings share understanding and meaning.
• “With” doesn’t simply mean being together.

Being with the Other

• The other becomes present to us when we are available to them and in turn, they are available to us.
• The preposition “with” does not properly apply to the purely objective world.
• The preposition ‘with’ properly applies to the realm of persons, of subjects, not objects.
• Signifies co-presence, an openness of our presence to the presence of the other person.
• To open oneself to the being of the other is a mystery.
• To mutually respect each other as subjects, that is intersubjectivity.
• Any treatment of the person as a mere tool that can be manipulated (objectification), any treatment of the person as a beast, leads to a cry for justice; for it does violence to the dignity and essence of a human person (dehumanization).
• To be is to be with.
• We find meaning outside of ourselves – in the other.

The Other

• The Other is “rigorously the other” that is, far more radically different than we would normally appreciate and accept in our everyday lives (Levinas, 1969:39).
• The Other is the “Stranger who disturbs being at home with oneself.” (Levinas, 1969:39)
• The feeling of familiarity prevents a genuine encounter with each other.

Totalization

• Totalization is a denial of the other’s difference, “the denial of the otherness of the other.” (Corpuz et al., 2016: 98).
• Occurs whenever we limit the ‘other’ to a set of rational categories.
• Experience shows us that another person will always escape your attempt to fully grasp or understand them.

The Power of the Face

• The Face resists possession, resists my powers.
• The human person is a dynamic and moving individuality as it is constantly opened up by possibilities. (Transcendent)

The Tendency to Totalize

• Due to the fear of uncertainty, we are afraid of the possibility of losing.
• We are afraid of the possibility of being killed first/being harassed.

Being a neighbor to the other

• Beyond social categories, we are persons facing another person in need of help.
• Many of those viewed as nobody, as outcasts in the society seem to be more open, more welcoming of others because they are not trapped within their own categories.
• Hence, they are more available and freer to help those in need.

Authentic Dialog

• Humankind is a conversation-not an idle talk but a dialog.
• We are human beings who care about more than information and gratification.

7 Ways to Create Cherished Connections

• Approach conversation with curiosity.
• Set aside judgment.
• Be the catalyst for a genuine conversation.

Poverty

• Income - Income poverty, defined in terms of the consumption of goods and services is the most common measure of the underprivileged.
• Health - Globally, millions die due to AIDS, Ebola virus, tuberculosis and Malaria as well as preventable causes of diarrheal disease.
• Education - There is a strong statistical link between poverty and low educational attainment.
• Empowerment - Extending human rights into the realm of foreign direct investment is also an imperative.
• Women’s Rights - Women should be educated to please men. They should be useful to men, should take care, advise, console men, and to render men’s lives easy and agreeable.

Takeaways

• Intersubjectivity refers to the shared awareness and understanding among persons.
• Dialogue happens when two persons truly acknowledge each other’s presence and treat each other as equals.
• Empathy is an important aspect of intersubjectivity and is driven by a person’s awareness of the emotions and thoughts of other people.
• Availability refers to the willingness of a person to be present for another and to render assistance to another.
• Ethics of care emphasizes the moral dimension of human interactions.
• Meaningful and beneficial human relationships are founded on the values of acceptance, openness, and respect.
• As humans, we are driven by our shared dignity to treat each other with respect and acceptance.

Explore the concept of intersubjectivity and the significance of the preposition 'with' in human relationships. This quiz dives into the ideas of co-presence, mutual respect, and the understanding of beings as subjects rather than mere objects. Test your knowledge of these philosophical ideas with a series of insightful questions.