Partners in the Ontology of SFOС: Typology, Status, and Relational Nature

This article provides a systematic description of partners (counter-subjects) – subjects whose interests an observer is forced to take into account. A partner is defined as a subject that is recognized as such by the observer, possesses its own interests, acts autonomously, influences the observer through feedback, and is an object of potential agreement. Not all subjects are partners – recognition, consideration of interests, and readiness for agreement are decisive. A five‑type typology of relations is proposed: (1) Ignorance – the other is not recognized as a subject and is treated as an object; (2) Annihilation – subjectivity is recognized but interests are ignored, and the subject is eliminated when threatened; (3) Avoidance – the subject is recognized but interaction is evaded; (4) Forced agreement – the observer would prefer annihilation but cannot, so a compromise is imposed; (5) Voluntary partnership – the observer consciously recognizes the other as an equal partner, fully considers interests, and seeks mutual benefit. Additional categories (potential, former, asymmetric, symbolic partnership) refine the spectrum. The relational nature of partnership is emphasized: classification depends on the observer, their resources, and the level of description G. The same entity can be a partner for one observer and an object for another, or can change category when G shifts (e.g., a person as a partner at macro‑level and as a collection of cells at micro‑level). Factors determining the type include recognition of subjectivity, power/resources, goals, and G. Comparison with Buber’s I‑Thou, Levinas’s Face of the Other, Habermas’s communicative action, and game theory highlights the novelty of our gradational, resource‑sensitive, and G‑dependent model. Verification markers are proposed. The article concludes with open questions and an invitation to interdisciplinary dialogue.