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Module 6: Lesson 1: INTERSUBJECTIVITY

Learning Competency: Realize that intersubjectivity requires accepting differences
and not to imposing on others. (PPT11/12-IIc-6.1)
What’s New?
Activity 1: Think of the people you encounter every day. Identify the persons to whom you are
most likely to say the following statements. Write their names on the blanks.
―How are you today?‖
―Did you hear the latest news?‖
―May I see your work?‖
―What must I do with my life now?‖
―I appreciate everything you have done for me.‖
―Without you, my life will have no meaning.‖
1. What sets apart the people whom you are intimate with from the casual acquaintances in
your life?
2. Who are the people that you consider the easiest to relate to? Who among them that you
find difficult to get along with?
3. What is the importance of having a meaningful relationship to you?
What is It?
Filipinos in general love to watch drama on TV. Perhaps, you will agree that Ang
Probinsyano became so popular not just because it is an action-packed soap opera but also
because it is filled with a lot of discussions about relationships or interpersonal relations that all of
us can easily relate to. So, we laughed, cried, felt threatened, grieved, loved, hoped, rejoiced, etc.
together with Lola Flora, Cardo, Alyana and the rest of the characters.
The word interpersonal is made from the combination of the following:
a. inter = a prefix which means ‗between
b. person = which means ‗human‘ or ‗individual‘
c. -al = a suffix which means, ‗pertaining to‘ or having the ‗character of‘
Interpersonal thus, is a word we used in describing interactions (pakikipag-ugnayan o
pakikipag-halubilo) between people. In philosophy however, when we say interpersonal relations
we are referring to interactions that exist between the Self (Ako) and the Other (lahat ng
nakakasamuha mo, maging tao o bagay). Can you recall some instances of interpersonal relations
that you have experienced so far? Describe your most unforgettable experience of pakiki-halubilo
below:
The interaction between the Self and the Other is related to the philosophical concept of
intersubjectivity. Similar to the word interpersonal, the word intersubjectivity is also comprise of
three groups of letters and/or words, namely:
a. inter = again this is a prefix which means ‗between‘
b. subject = this refers to a person or thing that is being discussed with.
c. -ity = a suffix used to form nouns which expresses state or condition
From this, we can conclude that intersubjectivity means a condition of relationship between
subjects or persons. If I relate with a friend for example, and he or she relates back to me,
intersubjectivity occurs. Philosophically, this means that when the Self recognizes the Other and
the Other recognizes the Self, intersubjectivity happens. To further get its meaning, study the
excerpt from the song, Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko by VST & Co., below:
Ang isang pag-ibig
Ay parang lansangan
Na pandalawahan
Kaya't sa ating awit
Tayo ay magbigayan

Can you determine which line of the stanza above talks about intersubjectivity? Why do you
say so? Please share your thoughts below:
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Intersubjectivity also carries the meaning of a unique relationship between separate individuals or
subjects. When we say unique, we are referring to the relationship that a human person may
experience when he or she engages in a very intimate and personal relationship with others.
When a person, for example, loves others, he or she gives himself or herself to them and at the
same time receives them into his or her life and vice versa. This mutual self-giving and receiving
becomes possible because of the person‘s inner life or interiority (panloob na buhay) where his
or her thoughts, feelings, inner struggles, reactions, and the like ―resides.‖
I believe that there is someone in your life—a parent, friend, or a mentor— whom you feel
very close with. Maybe because of this closeness, both of you are able to share to each other your
inner thoughts and feelings without any reservation. How does it feel then to understand and be
understood by someone? How does it
feel then to love and be loved in return by this person? Please share some of your thoughts on
this on the space provided for below:
Intersubjectivity or the Self-Other interaction comes in two levels, which are:
a. First Level = this refers to the simple awareness of the Self about the existence of the
Other.
b. Deeper Level = this refers to the awareness of the Self as being seen by Others.
Actually, you have constantly experienced these two levels of interaction in your life. For
instance, as you are reading this module by the window, you have noticed that there are people
who are passing by your house. In an instant, you have become aware of the presence of these
people who are both similar and different from you in many aspects. This noticing or becoming
aware of the presence of Others already illustrates the first level of self-other interaction. But then,
suppose that one of them suddenly stops and looks straight at you in the eyes, automatically you
will become aware that this person is also conscious of your own presence as a person. This
particular self-consciousness marks the deeper level of self-other interaction.
Now imagine again that this person who is staring back at you is not actually a stranger but
someone who is very familiar to you, perhaps, he or she is your crush. This awareness of him or
her gazing at you will result in a feeling of self-consciousness. In fact, several questions will begin
to pop up in your head, such as ―What is he or she is thinking when he or she looks at me? ―Is he
or she is about to say something to me?‖ Indeed, this unique phenomenon of the human gaze
sets our interaction as human persons apart from the interaction of other species.
Certainly, the awareness of the self in the other is an important element in all other aspects
of interpersonal interactions. The way we act or react with others is often influenced by our ideas
of how these people see us. Going back to my example about your crush, if he or she smiles while
looking back at you, perhaps you will conclude that he or she likes you in return. And this idea will
affect how you behave when he or she is around. This is also true when considering social
contexts. Oftentimes, we modify our behavior depending on where we are. Our behavior in the
church, for example, is different from our behavior when we are at a lively party. These actions of
presenting yourself in a certain way when dealing with others or your social context is what we
referred to as seeming.
Seeming‖ may behave in two forms:
a. Positive Seeming – the pleasant behavior we showed when we are in a sacred
place or in the presence of a very important person.
b. Negative Seeming – being ―plastic,‖ ―sipsip‖ or when expressing manipulative
behaviors to promote selfish interests.
What’s More?
Activity 2. Prepare a love note to someone you love or to whom you are attracted with using the
guide questions below. Do this in your reflection notebook.
1. What does he or she bring to your life physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.?
2. What do you love about her or him?
3. What are some of the memories or experiences you both share?
For the teacher/facilitator. Use the rubric below to evaluate the output of Activity 2. (Rubric may be
changed depending on the agreement between the teacher/facilitator and the learner).
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Love-Note Writing

Criteria Rating
The love note relates entirely to the 5 4 3 2 1
assigned topic or issue.
The love note conveys a genuine
personal view regarding the topic or 5 4 3 2 1
issue.

The work is original. 5 4 3 2 1

Lesson 2: Authentic Dialogue

Learning Competencies: Explain that authentic dialogue means accepting others
even if they are different from themselves. (PPT11/12-IId-6.3)
What’s New?
Activity 1: “Complete Me”
Complete the conversation below. Write the best reply that you can give
inside the dialogue box.
Anak, I will never leave you despite your
condition. I am very proud of you. You are God‘s
gift, my greatest treasure. I will always walk with
you in your struggles. I will bear all the pain
because I love you…
1. What thoughts and feelings that have emerged while you were writing your response on
the dialogue box?
2. What do you think is the reason why this particular parent utters these words to his or
her child?
3. What can you say about the parent-child relationship as depicted in the conversation?
What is It?
You may have not yet forgotten Lily Cruz in the telenovela ―Wild Flower.‖ One of the most
striking moments there was when she changed her identity to Ivy Aguas in order to exact revenge
to the Ardientes. However, unlike that of Lily, most of our human interactions actually are based
not on deception (panlilinlang) but on truth. Because of our dignity and goodness, our interactions
are geared toward what is good and beneficial. This deeper and more genuine interaction is called
dialogue.
A genuine dialogue is attained when all of the following conditions are present:
a. When the Self realizes that the Other is a unique or distinct person;
b. When the two individuals begin to view each other as an Other;
c. When the two persons truly acknowledging the presence of each other.
Have you experienced then having a genuine dialogue with someone? What do you think is
the difference between having a casual conversation with a stranger on recent events and
discussing more personal issues like life goals, emotional problems, or moral dilemmas with your
friends or family? Please share your thoughts on the space below:
Ordinarily, we understand dialogue as having any conversation with someone.
However, it does not always follow that because when you are talking with someone, you are
already in dialogue with him or her. Philosophically, a dialogue can only occur when the
words uttered and/or the actions and gestures performed are rooted in one‘s inner life or
interiority. That is why, only beings with interiority (panloob na buhay) are capable of engaging in
dialogue. Here, a person‘s words, expressions, and body language becomes the way by which
he or she is able to express a part of himself or herself to another person. On the other hand,
the person is also capable here of receiving the words, thoughts, emotions, and ideas of another
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person. A dialogue, therefore, happens when two persons ―open up‖ to each other and give and
receive one another in their encounter.
Have you seen a mother caressing her new-born child? Do you think that a genuine or
authentic dialogue occurs between them? Why? Why not?
What’s More?
Activity 2: Create a poster that will represent your ideas on Dialogue. Use as many colors,
symbols, and signs to make your poster more meaningful and relevant to the topic. Write a short
explanation (one to three sentences) at the bottom of your work.
Poster Making

Criteria Rating
The poster made by the student is 5 4 3 2 1
relevant to the topic.
The student‘s work convey a deep 5 4 3 2 1
personal reflection about the topic
The work is creatively done and neat. 5 4 3 2 1

Lesson 3:Interaction with the Disadvantaged

Learning Competency: Appreciate the talents of persons with disabilities and those from
the underprivileged sectors of society and their contributions to
society (PPT11/12-IId-6.1)
Explain that authentic dialogue means accepting others even if they
are different from themselves. (PPT11/12-IId-6.3)
What’s New?
Activity 1: “I Want to Be Your Friend”
Write inside the boxes the names of four people whom you consider as belonging to
the underprivileged sector in your community. Then indicate the level of your relationship
with him or her using the following symbols:
HEART – INTIMATE FRIEND MOON- ACQUAINTANCE
SUN- CASUAL FRIEND CLOUDS- STRANGER
1. How many of them are your intimate friend, casual friend, or acquaintance?
2. Does their condition draw you to them or hinder you from befriending them? Explain.
3. How should we, as human persons, relate to the underprivileged?
What is It?
When was the last time you‘ve watched Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK)? Perhaps, you were
able to watch the episode entitled ―Bangka‖ that talks about the struggle of a young girl who was
so motivated to reach her dreams of finishing her studies despite her family‘s experience of
extreme poverty. As a student, she would regularly brace the danger of swimming in an open sea
just to arrive at school. I can still remember even today how my heart somehow ―felt‖ the girl‘s own
emotions as she constantly struggled because of her dream, even if that story is never my own
and that I do not know her personally. Have you also experienced something similar to this? What
was it like? Write your thoughts or feelings about this on the space below.
As human persons, we have the capacity to experience the experience of another just like
the one I described to you about that MMK incident. Philosophers call this human capacity to
share the emotions of others as empathy, which is also an important aspect of intersubjectivity.
Perhaps you have already heard that empathy can be understood as ―feeling in‖ or ―placing
yourself into the shoes of another.‖ For example, how would you behave around a friend who just
informed you that his or her parent has died? Empathy enables you not only to share your friend‘s
grief and offer him or her comfort during this difficulty, but also to own the grief of that person even
if it was not your own parent‘s death.
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Can you cite another personal experience where you express empathy with someone? Feel
free to describe it to me on the space provided for below:
Another characteristic of meaningful and genuine human relationships is availability. Availability
is the willingness of a person to be present and be at the disposal of another. Filipinos are actually
very good at this. For example, if you go to an unfamiliar place and do not know which way to go,
normally there are kababayans who will approach you and extend their to you voluntarily. The
concept of availability means that you are willing to be at one‘s side twenty four seven. The ethics
of care can help us understand why we need to make ourselves available for others. This
understanding encourages individuals to help other people, most especially the least, the lost, and
the last because it is our moral obligation to do so. What about you? If, let us say, a stranger
approaches you in the street asking for help, will you try to help that person or will you ignore him
or her? If you choose to ignore him or her, what could be some of the possible reasons of doing
so? Please defend your answer.
Indeed, there are people who would simply ignore those who seek for their help. They do
this because they have a negative view about human relationships. People having this negative
view often suspect that any form of human action is being influenced by selfish interests, hence,
for them it should be seen as not genuine or even deceptive (mapanlinlang). When a person
adopts this kind of view, he or she is said to be experiencing alienation. Alienation arises when a
person stops to view the other as an authentic person and merely considers the other person as a
mere object to satisfy his or her personal interests.
Have you already experienced alienation in your life? Probably yes. Will you please
describe that particular experience briefly on the space below? Thanks.
Be that as it may, in spite of our negative experiences of human interactions, we are still
called to extend our hands in building a community of harmony. This is very important especially
that our world today seems to be surrounded with all forms of conflicts and violence. We can only
do this if we recognize that the other person is the same as ourselves—a person with dignity that
needs to be upheld and respected.
What will you personally contribute for the establishment of a community of harmony?
Please elaborate.
What’s More?
Activity 2.
1. Think of three (3) scenes from a movie, short film, or a TV show where (a) empathy, (b)
availability, and (c) alienation are well-demonstrated. Describe the scene of the movie.
2. List your evaluations in the table below.
3. For the teacher: Use the rubric below to evaluate the output. (Rubric may be changed
depending on the agreement between the teacher/facilitator and the learner).
Scene Evaluation
Criteria Rating
The evaluation is clear, meaningful and
comprehensive 5 4 3 2 1
The evaluation is logically constructed
i.e. conclusion follows its premises 5 4 3 2 1
The evaluation shows depth in its
analysis and reflection 5 4 3 2 1

Description Effect on human

Movie/TV show scene (Empathy/Availability/Alienat
ion) relationships
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Lesson 4:Embracing Differences

Learning Competency: Appreciate the talents of persons with disabilities and those from
the underprivileged sectors of society and their contributions to
society (PPT11/12-IId-6.1)

Perform activities that demonstrate the talents of persons with

disabilities and those from the underprivileged sectors of society
(PPT11/12-IIe-6.4)
What’s New?
Activity 1: “Read Me”
Read the message below and decode its meaning. Write your answer on the blank.
“yahaB obuk tihak itnum, gna namalah nood ya iras-iras.”
1. Were you able to decode the message? How long did it take you to do the task?
2. Do you find it difficult? Why? Why not?
3. If you were someone who endure a learning disability since birth, would it still be possible
for you to have skills and talents and excel from them? Explain.
What is it?
Not all stories, movies, or telenovelas end happily. Many of them, unfortunately, end with a
sad note. Yet, what seems to be common among these narratives is the realization of the main
protagonist (bida sa kuwento) on the necessity to accept the things that had already gone by and
to embrace all past experiences—may they be good or bad. And when he succeeded to do that,
he or she become at peace with himself or herself.
In similar manner, the acts of accepting (pagtanggap) and embracing (pagyakap) all our
differences are also beneficial especially in building a community of harmony. Without a doubt
harmony is hindered because some people have intentionally refused to accept and embrace our
diversity (pagkakaiba-iba). Some individuals, for instance, overemphasize our differences and
choose to favor one look, behavior, view, belief, and idea over the other. In the process, some of
those who do not carry the characteristics that are preferred to by the majority in society are the
ones who usually receive rejection (pagtakwil), discrimination (pagtrato ng hindi pantay), abuse
(pag-abuso), neglect (pagpabaya), contempt (pag-alipusta), and the like.
Have you experienced being bullied? What does the bullying experience looked like? Why
did it happen? Feel free to share your thoughts here:
I am sure that you are already aware that there are people in our society who have endured
a lot of hardships and discrimination because of their physical or mental condition. As a group, we
call them differently-abled persons (may kakulangan sa pagkatao). However, have you realized
that despite their limitations, these individuals can actually master the same skills as those who
are fully able? Have you also realized that these individuals are actually having their hopes and
aspirations too, like us? And are you aware that many of them are actually able to rise above their
disabilities and become productive and happy individuals?
Do you know of someone who is differently-abled in your community? Describe and explain
the level of your relationship with him or her in the space below:
Another group of people who are of the same condition with that of the differently-abled
persons are the underprivileged (walang kakayahan sa buhay). They are called like that because
they are poor materially. They are constantly struggling to find means for living. Have you seen
some them in your community? How do you and your neighbors treat them? Why do you and your
neighbors treat them that way? Please share your thoughts on the space below:
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Apart from people with disabilities and the underprivileged, there are also others who are
excluded from groups or society because they have been deemed different. Who among your
neighbors is considered by many to be ―weird‖ or ―different‖? How does this view affect the way
you treat this person? Do you see yourself befriending him or her? If you reflect on the way you
relate to him or her, can you say that you have been treating him or her as a person? Share your
thoughts on the space below:
Now I want you to reflect on the people closest to you and evaluate if you have been
engaging in genuine dialogue with them. Can you say that your friends have helped you become a
better person? Think of the other people in your life. Who do you feel can benefit from having a
friend?
Reflecting on our interactions with others can better inform us of the motivations of why we
need to reach out for others. The knowledge of our capacity for intersubjectivity will enable us to
make better choices as we continue to relate with others and uphold positive relationships in our
lives.
What’s More?
Activity 2.
1. Look for at least three (3) differently-abled and three (3) underprivileged persons who has
made invaluable contribution to your community.
2. Make a profile of these chosen individuals.
3. Describe each of their background and significant achievements and deeds.
4. Use the format below as your guide but you can always modify it depending on your own
skills, creativity, and available resources.
5. For the teacher: Use the rubric below to evaluate the output. Rubric may be changed
depending on the agreement between the teacher/facilitator and the learner).
Name:

Address:
Age:
Photo Civil Status:
Special
Talents/Skills:
Occupation:

Invaluable
―Nickname‖ contribution to

the society:
What concrete
actions will you
do in order to
support him/her?
Profiling Activity
Criteria Rating
Content and ideas are organized in a 5 4 3 2 1
clear, logical manner.
The profile provides adequate if not 5 4 3 2 1
complete background information.
The profile employs standard grammar 5 4 3 2 1
conventions, proper punctuation, and
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proper word choice.

The work is original. 5 4 3 2 1

What I Have Learned

1. Interpersonal relations refer to interactions that are made possible between the Self and
the Other.
2. Intersubjectivity refers to the shared awareness and understanding among persons. It is
made possible by the awareness of the self and the other.
3. The relationship between the self and other enables the person to relate to others and
establish and maintain meaningful relationships.
4. ―Seeming‖ action refers to the way a person presents himself or herself when dealing
with others. This is considered a natural and often unconscious act.
5. A deep and genuine relationship between persons is called a dialogue.

6. A dialogue occurs when two persons ―open up‖ to each other and give and receive one
another in their encounter.
7. Empathy enables a person to place himself or herself in the shoes of others and leads to
a greater understanding and appreciation of others.
8. Availability refers to the willingness of a person to be present for another and to render
assistance to another.
9. The theory on the ethics of care believes that people have a moral obligation to respond
to the needs of others, and encourages individuals to extend help to people in need.
10. Alienation refers to a state when a person stops to view the other as a distinct and
authentic person. Rather, the person considers others as mere things or means to satisfy
personal interests or desires.
11. 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.
12. Our capacity for intersubjectivity and the opportunities it provides for fostering personal
growth and welfare will enable us to make better decisions as we continue to uphold
positive relationships in our lives.
What I Can Do?
Write your reflection in your activity notebook.
Describe in detail a deep, genuine, and meaningful interaction that you have
experienced so far with another person and reflect on how this particular encounter has
affected you as a person.
Reflection
Criteria Rating
Content and ideas are organized in a 5 4 3 2 1
clear, logical manner.
The paper employs standard grammar 5 4 3 2 1
conventions, proper punctuation, and
proper word choice.
The paper is original and does not 5 4 3 2 1
contain plagiarized content.