TOWARDS AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO EMPATHY: REFLECTION ON AFRICANIST PERSPECTIVES TO INTERPERSONAL UNDERSTANDING

Abstract

The cognition of other minds otherwise termed the problem of interpersonal understanding remains one of the most contentious epistemological problems with regards to social relations. Although many philosophers have attempted to address this problem, they have not been successful because each of them had examined the problem of interpersonal understanding from limited perspectives. This paper puts forward the Integrative Approach as a more viable alternative to addressing the problem of interpersonal understanding. The qualitative research methodology is engaged, employing the Consensual Theory of social relations as Theoretical Framework. The significance of this study lies on its re-interpretation of Husserl's theory of intersubjectivity in the light of Consensual Theory of interpersonal relations. The cardinal findings of the paper is that, Integrative Approach, premissed on the principles of African metaphysics and epistemology, enables the Other to easily interract, intermingle, and interpenetrate the Other in an inseparable continum. By this endeavour, a major contribution to knowledge fostered in this paper is the development of an Integrative Approach enriched by an African epistemological perspective, which encapsulates the many dimensions by which interpersonal understanding can occur beyond the limited treatment of empathy as conceived by Husserl. The study recommends the Integrative Approach as a new model of empathy, which covers the varieties of abilities, skills and strategies that we employ in order to understand and make sense of other thoughts.