Abstract: In recent years, inter-subjective teacher-student relationship has been criticized as a form of solipsism. Some scholars, therefore, have proposed reconstructing such it based on the theory of otherness which, however, has fallen into the extreme of “alter-centrism” as it remains a single-subject theory, the same as the inter-subjective teacher-student relationship, thus failing to genuinely transcend the latter. Through an in-depth analysis of otherness-based teacher-student relationship, it becomes evident that research on this topic should focus on the “relationship” itself rather than the “subjects”. Further tracing back to the theory of inter-subjectivity reveals that “intentional relationship” is the origin of teacher-student interactions and it offers a new perspective for interpreting this relationship. To construct a new form of intentional teacher-student relationship, it is essential, first, to build a “shared world” between teachers and students through “intentional relationship”. Second, full attention should be paid to the function of “gaze” in particularizing the object of communication. Finally, reflection should be employed to present the teacher-student relationship, thus maintaining the self-directed nature of “intentionality”.

Key words: inter-subjectivity, otherness, teacher-student relationship, intentionality