Abstract
Purpose: This study examined Ernst Cassirer's study of human beings in the present era where human identity has become more confusing than ever before. This was caused by advances in science and technology that penetrated into specific areas of human life, along with the 4th industrial revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic. By re-illuminating this study with an educational focus, the researcher attempted to explore the direction of desirable education practices in the future. Methods: By focusing on 『An Essay on Man』 and 『The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms, Volume 1-3』 among Cassirer’s works, the long-standing definition of man as a rational animal is questioned, and the process of human consciousness development as a symbolic animal is explored in language, mythology, and science. In response to the three symbolic forms, the characteristics of each were examined. In particular, the emphasis was placed on revealing educational implications from the characteristic of human thought called 'symbols'. Results: As a philosopher, Ernst Cassirer explored the uniqueness of humans by defining humans as symbolic animals. In addition, he utilized an indirect way to reveal the essence of human culture, starting from the premise that human existence can be known through culture created by humans. Symbolic form is the form of knowledge that humans acquire toward the world, and the symbolic form conceived by Cassirer appears through cultural forms such as mythology, religion, language, science, art, and history. Through them, human beings can communicate with their internal and external sides and achieve a synthesis between the world and the mind. Conclusion: Cassirer's philosophy of symbolic forms is in line with constructivist learning theory, which recognizes learning as an active process of constructing meaning on the basis of each learner’s experience. In addition, symbols can promote growth simultaneously through the learning community beyond the individual level by contributing to the cultivating of the spirit.
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