symbolic form

is a general systems of human activity such as language, myth, science, art, religion, history, and technology.

When be sets out to define the concept of symbolic form, however, Cassirer provides us with a list of very general systems of human activities, which typically includes the examples already mentioned (language, myth, science, art, religion, history). Despite the fact that he conceives of symbolic forms as tools, it is not until the essay made topical in this volume, 'Form and Technology', 7 published in 1930, that he devotes serious attention to the problem of technology. Cassirer's treatment of technology, therefore, appears as something of an afterthought, delivered after he had completed the third and final volume on the philosophy of symbolic forms. What becomes clear, however, even from a superficial reading of the technology essay, is that Cassirer now makes a considerable investment in the new topic. He is not content merely to include technology as yet ariother system of human activities alongside the others already on the list. The essay addresses far more fundamental questions concerning the tool character of language and the theoretical work performed by material instruments, proceeding to advance technology as a primary medium in equal company with language and art.

is something like language, music and cultural images which belongs to both the social world of values and to the interior world of feelings.

Symbolic forms -language, music, cultural images belong to both the social world of values and the interior world of feelings.

symbolic form, n.Definitions

symbolic form