interobjectivity

Interobjectivity is a concept that describes the shared understanding or agreement between multiple subjects about an object or phenomenon. It goes beyond individual subjectivity, where understanding is solely personal, and collective objectivity, which implies a single, universally true reality. Interobjectivity suggests that while objects may not possess inherent, independent qualities, their meaning and significance are constructed and maintained through the interactions and agreements of a group. This shared reality, or intersubjective space, is formed by common experiences, language, social norms, and cultural contexts.

For instance, the value of money is not an intrinsic property of the paper or metal it's made from. Its value is intersubjective; it is agreed upon by a society that uses it as a medium of exchange. Similarly, the meaning of a particular gesture or symbol is interobjective, understood within a specific cultural framework by its members. Interobjectivity highlights the social construction of reality and how consensus, even if it doesn't represent absolute truth, allows for coordinated action and communication within a community. It is a dynamic process, as shared understandings can evolve and change over time due to new interactions and agreements.