Oracle of Wisdom Journal of Philosophy and Public Affairs

Buber's thesis is that of genuine dialogue. It constitutes the ground of authentic human existence and ethical life. Dialogue for him is understood not merely as verbal communication but as a mutual existential encounter. Central to Buber's philosophy is the distinction between two fundamental modes of human engagement: the "I–Thou" and "I–It" relationships, articulated most clearly in his major work Ich und Du. The "I–Thou" relation signifies a mode of being that is direct, reciprocal, and dialogical. In contrast, the I–It relation reflects the objectifying stance, wherein the other is reduced to a means, a function, or a concept. The thesis argues that Buber offers a relational ontology that challenges the atomism of modern subjectivity and affirms the primacy of interhuman and divine relation. In doing so, Buber provides a vision of the self not as an isolated substance, but as constituted in and through dialogue a framework with enduring relevance for ethics, theology, education, and political theory. However, despite its profound philosophical insights, Buber's idea of dialogue leaves certain gaps that contemporary research seeks to address. While Buber emphasizes the depth of interpersonal relations, he gives little attention to the structural, cultural, and technological factors that mediate modern dialogue, especially in pluralistic and digitally interconnected societies. Moreover, Buber does not sufficiently explore how power dynamics, social inequalities, and institutional constraints can hinder or reshape genuine dialogical encounters. The thesis builds on Buber's foundational concepts while extending the discussion to include cross-cultural communication, digital dialogue, and the ethics of dialogue in contexts of social fragmentation and diversity. By integrating Buber's existential-dialogical framework with contemporary realities, this study aims to enrich the discourse on dialogue, fostering a more holistic understanding that is both philosophically grounded and socially responsive. 

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