Human Theory

Author: Ernst Cassirer
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: Ernst Cassirer authored over 120 works in his lifetime, with his research encompassing nearly all fields of contemporary Western philosophy and exerting a broad influence. He was highly regarded and recognized in the fields of philosophy of science, philosophy of language, and aesthetics. Cassirer's major works include: The Concept of Entity and Function, Freedom and Form, Einstein's Theory of Relativity, and others. An Introduction to the Problem of Man naturally deals with the so-called "problem of man." The book consists of twelve chapters, divided into two parts. The first part addresses various philosophical theories concerning the question of man and concludes by pointing out that, despite the flourishing science and advanced technology of the contemporary era, the problem of man has not been truly resolved but is instead in a profound crisis. The second part shifts to a comprehensive examination of the human world itself, precisely speaking, it explores how humans use different symbols to create various cultures. Therefore, the general title is: Man and Culture. A fundamental idea that the book attempts to argue is that man only becomes a "truly human being" through the activity of creating culture; and only in cultural activities can man attain genuine "freedom."