Strawson's dichotomy

Strawson's dichotomy differentiates between two ways we encounter others: as persons with minds, intentions, and moral responsibilities, and as objects, like things we see but don’t think of as having mental states. When we interact naturally, we treat people as persons—acknowledging their feelings and intentions. But sometimes, we view them as objects—like when we see someone from a distance or in a controlled context. This distinction helps explain how we relate to others in daily life, balancing genuine social understanding with practical or detached perceptions.