Kulturwissenschaft in Dark Times: Ernst Cassirer.

This article is a response to Samantha Matherne's book, Cassirer, which provides a comprehensive guide to Ernst Cassirer's thought. It explores Cassirer's approach to cultural history as a history of philosophy, influenced by Kant and Hegel, and his dedication to revindicating the Enlightenment in a time of rising irrationalism and political extremism. The article discusses Cassirer's engagement in Kulturwissenschaft and his belief that philosophical thought is the ultimate product of culture. It also highlights the influence of Aby Warburg and the Warburg Institute on the development of Kulturwissenschaft, and how Cassirer's association with the Warburg Library shaped his philosophy of culture and historical research. The article argues for the relevance of Cassirer's work in today's world and suggests a return to his interdisciplinary approach to historical research. [Extracted from the article]