The Meaning and Dynamics of Intersubjectivity
Introduction
Humans have a natural tendency to relate with others.
We seek attachments, relationships, and meaningful connections
(Abella, 2016).
One sign of this relatedness = accepting others and their differences
(Garcia et al., 2016).
Every person is unique personality, beliefs, culture, background.
Instead of rejecting, we respect and embrace differences.
What is Intersubjectivity?
Existence and freedom are not isolated; they are shared and
experienced with others.
Parang pamilya: nakikibahagi sa saya at hirap.
We treat others as real people, not objects.
Mutual recognition → understanding and respecting each other’s
feelings, thoughts, experiences
Examples:
Kapag may problema kaibigan mo, you listen and support, not judge.
Kapag nag-aaway kayo ng jowa mo, you talk calmly to understand
feelings, not just to win.
The Dynamics of Intersubjectivity
According to Abella (2016):
Most human interactions are guided by respect and the desire to do
good.
We naturally try to do what is right and helpful.
Examples in Daily Life:
1. In a group chat, hindi nananakit o nambabastos, kundi choosing
kindness and respect.
2. Kapag tropa mo, hindi lang kwentuhan, kundi nararamdaman ang
tunay na pagkakaunawaan.
4 Core Dynamics
1. Mutual Recognition
Panagalawa is Respect for Differences
Pangatalo is Dialogue and Understanding
Pag apat is Shared Meaning and Cooperation
[Link] Recognition
Seeing each other as fellow human beings.
Example: Tropa mo na alam mo hindi lang kasama sa saya, kundi
nakakaintindi rin sa struggles mo.
2. Respect for Differences
Accepting uniqueness and differences.
Example: Kahit magkaiba kayo ng opinion ng jowa mo, hindi mo siya pinipilit
baguhin.
3. Dialogue and Understanding
Open communication = deeper understanding.
Example: Sa away ng mag-bestfriend, nag-uusap ng maayos at chill para
ayusin problema.
4. Shared Meaning and Cooperation
Building shared goals and working together.
Example: Group project sa school = teamwork for a perfect output.
Examples of Intersubjectivity
Listening with respect
Helping others
Working together in group activities
Respecting beliefs and traditions
Showing simple kindness
Accepting “ME” is Accepting “YOU”
Acceptance = knowing strengths & weaknesses, and that some things are in
our control, some are not.
By accepting ourselves, we also learn to accept others.
Imperfection is natural; everyone is unique.
Examples:
If I accept I’m shy, I’ll also understand others who struggle with shyness.
Being real: “Maging totoo sa sarili, tanggapin ang lahat ng bahagi mo —
lakas at kahinaan.”
Accepting Others is Not Imposing
Respect = not forcing your own ideas, beliefs, or lifestyle on others.
True acceptance = allowing others to be themselves, even if different from
you.
Introduction
Previous lesson: Human & nature are connected.
This lesson: Focus on freedom a gift of being human.
Freedom ≠ just “do whatever you want.”
True freedom = responsibility + good choices + respect for others.
Every decision shapes us and affects others.
What is Freedom?
Everyone is born with freedom.
Ability to make choices and decisions.
What makes humans different: we can stop, think, and act based on
reason/values.
Definition: Freedom = ability to choose and act based on reason and values.
Difference from Animals (Instinct vs. Reason)
Animals → act on instinct (natural behavior: nest building, barking).
Humans → use reason: think, plan, reflect, choose what is right.
Instinct helps survival, but reason helps improve self and world.
Example: A Grade 12 student works part-time instead of dropping out =
responsible freedom.
3 Chains of Freedom in the Philippines
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1. Poverty – limits opportunities
Focus on survival, not dreams.
Students forced to stop studying to work.
Talents wasted due to lack of education/training.
2. Corruption – limits justice & equality
Resources stolen from schools, hospitals, roads.
Justice favors rich/powerful.
Ordinary Filipinos feel powerless.
3. Addiction – limits self-control
Drugs, alcohol, gambling, technology → control choices.
Decisions based on cravings, not reason.
Destroys dignity, relationships, careers.
6 Types of Freedom
1. Physical Freedom
2. Psychological Freedom
3. Political Freedom
4. Economic Freedom
5. Religious Freedom
6. Academic/Intellectual Freedom
1. Physical Freedom
Freedom to move, act, live without fear or restraint.
Loss of dignity if imprisoned unfairly or threatened.
Quote: “Walang saysay ang buhay kung walang kalayaan ang katawan
upang kumilos at pumili ng sariling landas.”
Example: Human rights activist released after years in jail.
2. Psychological Freedom
Freedom of the mind = decide without pressure, bribery, or manipulation.
Quote: “Mas masakit ang kulungang itinayo sa isipan kaysa sa rehas na
bakal.”
Example: Choosing beliefs, dreams, opinions without being brainwashed.
3. Political Freedom
Freedom to participate in society and government.
Key Aspects:
Right to vote
Freedom of speech
Right to assembly (protests, rallies)
Freedom of the press
Right to run for office
Quote: “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln
Example: Filipinos voting at age 18+.
4. Economic Freedom
Ability to work, earn, and make financial choices.
Quote: “Economic freedom is the foundation of individual freedom.” –
Friedrich Hayek
Example: Vendors choose what to sell; farmers sell crops freely.
5. Religious Freedom
Right to choose, practice, or change religion without discrimination.
Quote: “Walang puwang ang pamimilit sa tunay na pananampalataya.”
Example: Attending Catholic mass, Muslim prayers, or celebrating religious
holidays.
6. Academic/Intellectual Freedom
Right of students/teachers to learn, teach, research, and express ideas
without unreasonable restriction.
Protects truth, creativity, knowledge.
Quote: “The classroom must remain a place where questions are welcome
and answers are explored.”
Example: Student freely sharing opinions in class, choosing courses,
professors teaching honestly.
Importance of Intersubjectivity
Intersubjectivity = recognizing that every person is unique, with their own
feelings, thoughts, and dignity.
3 Application of Values in Daily Life
1. Empathy in action
2. Availability in action
3. Ethics of Care in action
1. Empathy in action
Listen when others share problems.
Show concern when someone is struggling.
2. Availability in action
Be present for friends or family even when you are busy.
Make time to support people who feel alone.
3. Ethics of Care in action
Stand up for bullied classmates.
Share resources with those in need.
Volunteer in community activities.
Effects of Dis-values
1. Alienation → breaks connection, makes people feel less human.
2. Rejection → lowers self-esteem, causes loneliness.
3. Discrimination → creates unfair treatment, division in society.
Values in intersubjectivity (empathy, availability, care) build love, trust, and
unity.
Dis-values (alienation, rejection, discrimination) destroy relationships and
hurt human dignity.
Accepting others as they are = true love and respect.