Martin Buber's "I and Thou" and Immediate Communication

Martin Buber's concept of "I and thou" and "I and it" is very interesting. An I-thou encounter (or I-you) refers to the interaction between two beings, wholistically, they connect. I-it on they other hand refers to the opposite interaction. In I-thou interaction, considers the other being as more than an object, and responds to it and treats it accordingly. Buber suggests that this relationship does not necessarily apply only to humans but also to human interactions with other living beings, so long as there is some form of encounter or exchange. Furthermore, Buber argues that this is the only means by which to seek and communitate with God or a Supernatural.

A precursor of this is an immediate communication, meaning that the two entities must atleast be capable of connecting without necessarily transfering information. In doing so they enter into a communion. While the two may or may not be able to communicate with each other or have a mediated discourse, they at the most basic level must be able to immediately communicate. It seems fair to say that all I-thou relationships require the possibility of immediate communication.

For example I could talk to a table. There would be no transference of information, because a table cannot listen and comprehend what i am saying, we cannot communicate with each other. It is safe to say that I cannot also, enter into a communion with said table. However when you consider the relationship between two individuals, you know that because you can enter into a communion with each other that you can then also enter into communication with one another. If you were on a deserted island, and happend upon one individual, you would know, at intial contact, without having said a word that you can eventually communicate with this individual, and the individual knows the same of you, immediate communication.

Therefore, it seems that in order to ever communicate with an entity, it must first be possible that you can enter into communion with them. This is the qualifying factor for Buber's I-Thou relationship.