intersubjectivity
in-ter-sub-jek-TIV-uh-tee
/ˌɪn.tə.səb.dʒekˈtɪv.ə.ti/
The shared, psychological relation between conscious minds, or mutual understanding and shared meaning among subjects.
Represents the bridge between individual subjective experiences, forming shared social and cultural realities.
The story behind the word. Combines Latin 'inter-' (between, among) with 'subjectivity'. Developed in 20th-century phenomenology by thinkers like Husserl and Schutz to explain how private minds connect to form a common world.
Word relationships
- shared understanding: Everyday phrasing for mutual comprehension without the specialized philosophical nuance.
- solipsism: The philosophical position that only one's own mind is sure to exist, denying shared experience.
Commonly confused with
- objectivity: Objectivity relies on mind-independent facts; intersubjectivity relies on shared understanding between multiple minds.
Word family
- intersubjective (adjective): Existing between conscious minds; shared by multiple subjective observers.
- intersubjectively (adverb): In a manner shared across different conscious perspectives.
Collocations
- primary intersubjectivity
- intersubjective agreement
- intersubjective understanding
- shared intersubjectivity
Example sentences
- "Language serves as the primary vessel for intersubjectivity, enabling individuals to share internal experiences and construct common social rules." Sociology
- "Infants demonstrate early intersubjectivity when they engage in mutual eye contact and playful vocal turn-taking with caregivers." Developmental Psychology
Memory hook
INTER-SUBJECTIVITY: Interactions BETWEEN multiple SUBJECTS. Shared world between minds.
When not to use
Do not confuse with absolute objectivity; intersubjectivity is agreement across multiple subjective perspectives.
Fun facts
- Philosophers argue that without intersubjectivity, concepts like money or laws would collapse, as they exist solely because minds agree on them.
Related words
Explore more words
subjectivity, subjective, interpersonal, interconnectedness, interdependent, interaction
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