The Human as an Emphatic Being

• Definition of Intersubjectivity:

  · Coined by philosopher Edmund Husserl.

  · Involves the interchange of thoughts and feelings between individuals.

  · Facilitated by empathy.

  · Key feature of social constructionism, symbolic interactionism, and phenomenological approaches.
• Subjectivity vs. Intersubjectivity:

  · Subjectivity: Perception or experience of reality from one's own perspective, limited by worldview.

  · Humans are gregarious but experience the world uniquely as individuals.

  · Intersubjectivity involves sharing experiences, knowledge, understandings, and expectations with others.
• Human Example of Intersubjectivity:

  · Shared, common agreement in the definition of an object.

  · Example: Shared understanding of what an apple looks like.

   
• Intersubjectivity in Literature

  · Analyzing literary examples involving apples (Adam and Eve, Snow White, Trojan War). The understanding of a can be defined for these stories as an object of destruction in literature.

  · Questioning its relevance in the present time.
• Intersubjectivity and Human Relationships:

  · Relating with others is essential for peaceful coexistence.

  · Establishing harmonious relationships for security and companionship.

  · Some relationships are blessings, while others may be seen as curses.

  · Factors influencing human relationships: trust, communication, love, self-interest.
• Theories on Intersubjectivity:

  Ø Jurgen Habermas' Theory of Communicative Action:

  - Emphasizes authentic communication for establishing intersubjective relationships.

   
• Ø Martin Buber's I-Thou Relationship:

  - Importance of encountering the other as a person ("You") rather than an object

   
• Ø Emmanuel Levinas' Face of the Other:

  - Focus on ethical duty to others as the foundation of relationships.

   
• Achieving and Maintaining Fulfilling Relationships:

  · Solutions to problems in relationships lie in how individuals perceive, accept, and treat others.

  · Intersubjective relationships aim to help individuals grow together as authentic human beings.