The Existentialist “Inter-Subjectivity” And The Problem of “Other’: A Philosophical Approach to Politics of Recognition

Abstract

Humans are ontologically positioned to interact with one another in order to satisfy the essential conditions of humanity individually and collectively. It is the extent and the nature of the relationships among human beings that defines the civilization of each age. However, the inevitable interactions among human beings as conscious beings provide the medium for conflicts, tensions and crises among individuals and social groups within the society. The history of philosophy has been occupied with rigorous analytical and speculative exercises to unravel the foundation of the suspicious antagonisms between individuals and groups. At the same time, attempts have been made in philosophy to establish a metaphysical or spiritual justification for the reconciliation of the ‘self’ and other’ and ultimately promote mutual respect and recognition of both. Existentialism is a philosophical orientation that has been predominant in this project. This paper, through analysis of existing discourse, attempts therefore, to critically examine the existentialist concept of intersubjectivity as a viable philosophical approach to the politics of recognition and present it as a theoretical framework for peaceful cohabitation of individuals and groups of diverse worldviews.