intersubjectivity
UK[ˌɪn.tə.səb.dʒekˈtɪv.ə.ti]US[ˌɪn.tɚ.səb.dʒekˈtɪv.ə.t̬i]
n
the shared, mutual, or reciprocal understanding between two or more conscious minds, enabling communication and the establishment of a common world.
n
(in philosophy, psychology, and sociology) the condition of occurring between conscious subjects, involving the exchange of thoughts and feelings.
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
subject
ivity
inter
between, among
subject
conscious agent
ivity
state or quality of
Etymology
the term "intersubjectivity" is a modern philosophical and psychological construct, formed in english by combining established latinate elements. the prefix "inter-" directly imports the latin sense of "between" or "among." the core "subject" derives from the latin subiectus, which evolved from the literal meaning "one placed under" authority to denote the modern philosophical "thinking self" or conscious agent. the suffix "-ivity," a compound of "-ive" and "-ity," consolidates the abstract noun form. thus, the word's literal construction—"the state or quality of being between subjects"—neatly encapsulates its contemporary meaning of mutual understanding and shared consciousness between individuals, bridging individual experience with social reality.
Analysis
Structure: inter (between, among) + subject (conscious agent) + ivity (state or quality of)
- inter: from latin inter, meaning "between, among". a prefix indicating reciprocal or mutual relation.
- subject: from latin subiectus, the past participle of subicere ("to place under"). in modern philosophical context, it refers to a conscious thinking agent or self.
- ivity: a suffix forming nouns indicating a state, condition, or quality, from latin -ivitas (via french -ivité).
Examples
true communication relies on a foundation of intersubjectivity, where shared meanings are co-created.
the developmental psychologist studied how intersubjectivity emerges in early infant-caregiver interactions.
phenomenological philosophy often explores the nature of intersubjectivity as a fundamental structure of human existence.