PHILOSOPHY AND PRAXIS

The sustainability of intersubjective relations between conscious, independent subjects in the physical world is mainly predicated on reciprocation. However, intersubjective engagers are not usually consistent in maintaining mutual and reciprocal relations between them. This failure largely accounts for breakup of conjugal and other forms of interpersonal relationships. Against this background, this paper proposes that Marcel’s intersubjectivity is an effective approach to maintaining and achieving authentic interpersonal relations. It employs the method of analysis to explore and examine Marcel’s intersubjectivity. Findings show that Marcel’s intersubjectivity is grounded in God, the Absolute Thou whose presence can be experienced in the realm of concrete human experience through acts of love, fidelity, hope, and ultimately faith in Him. Given that God is the ground and guarantor of all I-Thou relations, the paper argues that human finite fidelity must be rooted in the Absolute fidelity (fidelity to God) in order to guarantee consistent and successful interpersonal relations. Fidelity grounded in the absolute fidelity requires that an intersubjective engager reciprocate God's unconditional and absolute faithfulness to her by remaining faithful to God which presupposes unconditional and unceasing love for, and faithfulness to, the other (her intersubjective partner). The paper concludes that strict adherence to the above principle of absolute fidelity guarantees stable and enduring intersubjectivity which will go a long way towards sustaining conjugal and other forms of interpersonal relations, and rebuilding broken ones.

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