Customer Reviews

Ernst Cassirer: A "Repetition" of Modernity (Suny Series in Contemporary Continental Philosophy)

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Lofts' approach is rather strange: nevertheless, his unorthodox interpretation is very intriguing. Using the distinction between the signifier and signified, he brings out the internal and systematic structure of Cassirer's philosophy -- which is not at all clear when you read Cassirer himself. One could dispute any one of a number of points (and especially the methodological approach), but this is only because Lofts is, as he himself says, attempting to go "beyond Cassirer" and thus is taking a number of interpretative risks in his reading. At times one wonders, whether this is Cassirer or Lofts' philosophy of culture. However, Lofts skilfully use of quotes assures us that it is indeed Cassirer's. Given that it is one of the few books on Cassirer written in English, given the fact that it is compact and uses material from all of Cassirer's works (no small task as Krois points out in his Preface), and finally given that it is an intriguing reading of Cassirer: this is certainly worth a read.

This was my first introduction to Ernst Cassirer; I knew nothing of the man before this book. If you have any interest in continental philosophy from the second half of the 20th century, a familiarity with Cassirer is a must. His fingerprints can be found on the works of folks ranging from Heidegger to Kojeve to Derrida.

Lofts' writing is accessible and clear; this book seemed to be a labour of love. "A Repetition of Modernity" provides an ample introduction to Cassirer's work, as well as re-reading him in the light of contemporary continental philosophy.

I enjoyed it enough that after finishing, I picked up two of Cassirer's own books - Myth of the State and An Essay On Man. Both were great reads, highly recommended.