The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms (book)

"The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms" by Ernst Cassirer explores how humans perceive and interpret the world through systems of symbols like language, art, and myths. He argues that these symbolic forms shape our understanding, allowing us to organize experience and communicate complex ideas. Instead of viewing knowledge as raw facts, Cassirer sees it as mediated by these symbolic systems, which evolve culturally and historically. The work emphasizes that our reality is constructed through symbolic representations, highlighting their central role in human cognition, expression, and cultural development.