The Philosophy of Ernst Cassirer – Bridging Symbolism, Science, and Human Culture | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume VI, 1949 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of Ernst Cassirer, curated by Paul Arthur Schilpp and released in 1949, is the sixth installment in the prominent Library of Living Philosophers series. This work serves as a crucial reference for diving into the extensive and multidisciplinary approach of Ernst Cassirer, a significant thinker of the twentieth century.
The LLP structure comprises:

• A philosophical autobiography authored by the featured philosopher
• A selection of writings by the philosopher themselves
• Critical essays from notable contemporaries
• The philosopher's comprehensive responses to those critiques

In Cassirer's case, this volume is distinguished by its thorough exploration of subjects that span epistemology and science to aspects of culture, language, myth, and symbolic thought. It represents one of the most holistic and human-centered contributions within the entire LLP collection.

Who Was Ernst Cassirer?

Ernst Cassirer (1874–1945) was a philosopher and cultural theorist of German-Jewish descent. His work, deeply influenced by Immanuel Kant, aligns with the Neo-Kantian school, especially the Marburg contingent. He is most renowned for his theory of symbolic forms, an ambitious effort to integrate the human sciences through a framework of symbolic representation.
Cassirer’s significant writings include:
The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms (3 volumes)

• An Essay on Man
• Language and Myth
• The Myth of the State

His philosophical inquiry centered on how humans employ symbols—through language, myth, art, science, and religion—to forge meaning and structure their experiences.

Overview of the Volume

The Philosophy of Ernst Cassirer encompasses:

• A philosophical autobiography detailing Cassirer’s intellectual evolution, influences, and academic pursuits, particularly his transition from Germany into exile amid the Nazi rise.
• A selection of writings reflecting his symbolic philosophy that addresses language, myth, science, and culture.
• More than twenty critical essays penned by leading philosophers, historians, and scientists that deeply engage with Cassirer’s concepts.
• Cassirer’s comprehensive responses to his critics, which clarify essential ideas and defend the coherence and significance of his philosophical framework.

Key Themes in Cassirer’s Philosophy

1. Symbolic Forms

Cassirer posits that human beings are "symbolic animals"—we engage not directly with reality but rather through a mediated realm of symbols. Each cultural domain (language, myth, science, art, law) serves as a symbolic form, influencing our perceptions and understanding of the world.

2. Neo-Kantian Epistemology

Cassirer advanced Kant’s epistemological framework, shifting focus from mental categories to the cultural systems that shape human experiences and interpretations of reality.

3. Science and Rationality

As a prominent philosopher of science, Cassirer contended that scientific knowledge represents one symbolic form among countless others, tracing its evolution from mythic thought to contemporary mathematics and physics.

4. Myth and Political Thought

In The Myth of the State, Cassirer highlighted the perils of irrational political myths while linking symbolic thought to authoritarian ideologies. This discussion continues to resonate in today's political milieu.

5. Cultural Unity and Humanism

Cassirer advocated for a unified view of culture and humanity, emphasizing freedom, reason, and diversity. He perceived philosophy as a connector bridging various disciplines, cultures, and historical times.

Contributors and Critics in the Volume

This collection features contributions from numerous prominent scholars and thinkers, including:

• Susanne K. Langer – addressing art and symbolic representation
• Morris Cohen – examining Cassirer’s connection to pragmatism
• Ernst Nagel – analyzing Cassirer’s scientific perspectives
• Arthur Pap and Curt Ducasse – discussing logic and epistemology
• D. T. Suzuki – integrating Eastern viewpoints with Cassirer’s humanistic ideas

This diverse array of viewpoints underscores Cassirer’s cross-disciplinary impact, spanning philosophy, anthropology, linguistics, and religious studies.

Cassirer’s Replies – An Intellectual Legacy

Cassirer’s responses to his detractors are insightful, courteous, and revealing. They showcase his skill in assimilating critique, clarifying uncertainties, and defending his philosophical framework with both precision and cultural depth. Through these replies, readers gain significant understanding of how Cassirer viewed and shaped his own intellectual legacy.
Unfortunately, Cassirer passed away in 1945, prior to the publication of this volume. As a result, his responses were compiled from his notes and drafts, making this collection an even more valuable testament to his concluding thoughts.

Importance of the Volume

This volume holds significance for:

• Students of symbolic philosophy, culture, and semiotics
• Academics focused on Kant, Neo-Kantianism, and the evolution of ideas
• Individuals intrigued by science, myth, language, and interdisciplinary thinking

The Philosophy of Ernst Cassirer serves as a crucial resource for comprehending one of the most comprehensive and human-centric philosophies of contemporary thought.