Cassirer

Ernst Cassirer (1874â1945) occupies a unique place in 20th-century philosophy. His view that human beings are not rational but symbolic animals and his famous dispute with Martin Heidegger at Davos in 1929 are compelling alternatives to the deadlock between 'analytic' and 'continental' approaches to philosophy. An astonishing polymath Cassirer's work pays equal attention to mathematics and natural science but also art language myth religion technology and history. However until now the importance of his work has largely been overlooked. In this outstanding introduction Samantha Matherne examines and assesses the full span of Cassirerâs work. Beginning with an overview of his life and works she covers the following important topics: Cassirerâs neo-Kantian background Philosophy of mathematics and natural science including Cassirerâs first systematic work Substance and Function and subsequent works like Einsteinâs Theory of Relativity The problem of culture and the ground-breaking The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms Cassirerâs ethical and political thought and his diagnosis of fascism in The Myth of the State Cassirerâs influence and legacy. Including chapter summaries suggestions for further reading and a glossary of terms this is an ideal introduction to Cassirerâs thought for anyone coming to his work for the first time. It is essential reading for students in philosophy as well as related disciplines such as intellectual history art history politics and literature. . Language: English