It comes from the Latin "alter" (the "other" from the point of view of the "I"), alterity is a philosophical principle by which one's own perspective changes, that of the self, the position of "one" for that of " other ”, considering the point of view, ideology, interests and conception of the world of the“ other ”, taking for granted and taking into account that one's own position or that of“ one ”is not the only one possible.
The concept of otherness appears with the discovery made by the " I " of the "other", with which a great diversity of images of the other, representations of "us" and multiple visions of the "I" arises.
Otherness means changing the perspective of one for that of another, taking into account their point of view; It is not about changing opinion or convictions, but contemplating the possibility of other points of view. Beyond the differences, all the images of the "other" coexist in different worlds immersed in the same universe. Imaginary representations of radically different people, previously unsuspected.
For philosophy, alterity is the opposite of identity and, in this sense, it can be defined as the oppositional relationship that is registered between the thinking subject, that is, the self, and the thought object, that is, the not. I. Otherness is the philosophical principle that allows one to alternate or change their perspective for that of the other.
In this sense, alterity implies that an individual can put himself in the place of the other, which allows him to establish relationships with the other based on dialogue, awareness and appreciation of existing differences.
Therefore, according to alterity, to constitute an individuality, first, the existence of a collective is necessary, since the "I" exists of the other and of the vision of this. The other allows the self to understand the world from a different perspective in relation to its own.
This means that otherness represents a will to understand that fosters dialogue and fosters peaceful relationships. When a Jewish man is involved in a loving relationship with a Catholic woman, otherness is essential to understand and accept the differences between them. On the other hand, if a small otherness is recorded, the relationship will be impossible as the two worldviews will only collide with each other and there will be no room for understanding.
In the same way, countries with different cultures must recognize otherness to respect the law, beliefs and culture of the other. Otherwise, the strongest country would prevail over the other, annihilating their cultural customs, as happened with the conquered countries in Latin America.
