MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

Content The learner understands intersubjective human relations

Standards
Performance The learner performs activities that demonstrate an appreciation for the talents of
Standards persons with disabilities and those from the underprivileged sectors of society.
Most Essential 1. Realize that intersubjectivity requires accepting differences and not to imposing
Learning on others
Competencies 2. Appreciate the talents of persons with disabilities and those from the
underprivileged sectors of society and their contributions to society
3. Explain that authentic dialogue means accepting others even if they are different
from themselves
4. Perform activities that demonstrate the talents of persons with disabilities and
those from the underprivileged sectors of society
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and
Not to Impose on Others
Lesson 2 – Appreciate the Talents of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and
those from the Underprivileged Sectors of society and their Contributions
Lesson 3 – Explain the Authentic Dialog that is Accepting Others Regardless
of Individual Differences
Lesson 4 – Perform Activities that Demonstrate the Talents of PWDs and
Underprivileged Sectors of Society
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

1. INTENSITY
How strong are your emotional reactions?
Do you find yourself becoming easily upset or more low
key?
1 – mild reaction, 5 – intense reaction
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

2. PERSISTENCE
If you are involved in an activity and you are asked to
stop, can you do easily?
When a task is frustrating, do you find yourself letting go
easily or pushing to continue?

1 – easily let go, 5 – “lock in”, don’t let go

 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

3. SENSITIVITY
How aware are you of slight noises, emotions,
differences in temperature, taste and textures?
Do you react easily to certain foods, tags in clothing, or
irritating noises?

1 – usually not sensitive, 5 – very sensitive

 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

4. PERCEPTIVENESS
How keenly aware are you of people, colors, noises, and
objects around you?
Do you frequently forget to do what you were going to do
because something else has caught your attention?
1 – hardly ever notice, 5 – very perceptive
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

5. ADAPTABILITY
Do you quickly adapt to changes in your schedule or
routine?
How do you cope with surprises?

1 – adapt quickly, 5 – slow to adapt

 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

6. REGULARITY
How regular are your eating times, sleeping period, and
other bodily functions?

1 – regular, 5 – irregular
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

7. ENERGY
Are you always on the move and busy or quiet?
Do you need to run and exercise in order to feel good?

1 – quiet, 5 – active
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

8. FIRST REACTION
How do you usually react to new places, people or
activity?

1 – jumped right in, 5 – reject at first

 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

9. MOOD
Do you feel mostly happy compared to the analytical and
serious?

1 – usually positive, 5 – more serious and

analytical
MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY

SCORE
9-18 Cool or Calm
19 – 28 Very lively or Spunky
29 – 45 Spirited
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
• Truly, we are all unique individuals.
• Most of the time, we look at our differences and
may have “labels” toward one another.
• You can be a “misfit”, a “loner”, a “partygoer”, or
“easy-go-lucky”.
• In our lives, somehow, we have collected and
given labels ourselves toward others.
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others

▪ Though we are part of our society, we are still

different individuals living in this society

▪ Each of us will have different appearances or points

of view.
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
This chapter focuses on building strength despite our
differences.
➢Labels could be negative or limiting.
(“impatient, “whiny”, or “stubborn”)

➢Nevertheless, we could go beyond the labels for, as

humans, we are holistic.
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
➢As humans, we are to be regarded in our totality. Thus,
we can redesign the labels to something new and
exciting.
➢Thus, we can redesign the labels to something new
and exciting.
Instead of “impatient”, you are “compelling”
If one is “whiny”, you are “analytical”.
If one is “stubborn”, one is “assertive” or “persistent”.
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others

If the negative labels can be contagious, so can the

positive ones. Let us focus on the positive labels, for
these labels can strengthen not just your relationship
among your friends, but most especially to your family.
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others

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.
 MODULE 6 – INTERSUBJECTIVITY
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others

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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
(25) On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test
Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal
life?”
(26) “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you
read it?”
(27) 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]”
(28) “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this
and you will live.”
(29) But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And
who is my neighbor?”
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37 (New International Version)

(30) 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.’
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37 (New International Version)

(36) “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man
who fell into the hands of robbers?”

(37) The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on
him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others

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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
What Philosophers Say About Intersubjectivity
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:
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
1. Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.) –
was a philosopher and teacher who
lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. His
thoughts on ethics, good behavior,
and moral character were written
down by his disciples in several
books, the most important being
the Lunyu. Confucianism believes
in ancestor worship and human-
centered virtues for living a peaceful
life.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others

1. Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.) –

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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
2. Martin Buber
He was born in Vienna and was
brought up in the Jewish tradition.
In his work I and thou (Ich and Du)
(1923), he conceives the human
person in his/her wholeness, totality,
concrete existence and relatedness to
the world.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others

2. Martin Buber (1878-1965) –

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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
2. Martin Buber (1878-1965) – 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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
2. Martin Buber (1878-1965)
In contrast, to relation of meeting
and dialog, Buber cites the I-It
relationship. This I-It relationship
is a person to thing, subject to
object that is merely experiencing
and using; lacking directedness
and mutuality (feeling, knowing,
and acting.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
3. POPE JOHN PAUL II
Saint Pope John Paul II or Karol
Wojtyla was born in Wadowice,
Poland. He was elected to the
Papacy on October 16, 1978 (264th
pope) and was considered a great
pope (88%) during his lifetime. He
was also an architect of
Communism’s demise in Poland.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
3. Karol Wojtyla (1920-2005)
– 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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
3. Karol Wojtyla (1920-2005)
–
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.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
As St. Augustine of Hippo said, “No
human being should become an end to
him/herself. We are responsible to our
neighbors as we are to our own actions.”

We participate in the communal life (We).

Our notion of the “neighbor” and “fellow
member” is by participating in the
humanness of the other person (I-You).
The neighbor takes into account
humanness.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
Martin Buber’s
Karol Wojtyla’s (Saint Pope John Paul II)

➢Both philosophers were influenced by their religious

background.

➢They believed in the notion of concrete

experience/existence of the human person.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
Martin Buber’s
Karol Wojtyla’s (Saint Pope John Paul II)

➢They also think that one must not lose the sight of
one’s self in concrete experience.

➢Both refused to regard the human person as a

composite of dimensions, such as animality and
rationality.
Lesson 1 – Realize that Intersubjectivity Requires Accepting Differences and Not to Impose on Others
Martin Buber’s
Karol Wojtyla’s (Saint Pope John Paul II)

➢For both views, the human person is total, not dual.

➢For Wojtyla, the social dimension is represented by

‘We relation’
➢And for Buber, the interpersonal in signified by the
‘I-you relation’.