The platonic tradition in symbolic theories of culture: the problem of components of a religious symbol

A range of new schools of thought appeared in the 20th century (for example, Neo-Kantian Marburg School) focused on the problem of culture and symbolism which was highly developed within them. The rethinking of Ancient heritage was implemented in a completely new form: a long-standing issue of the relationship between a phenomenon (thing), essence and a concept (Plato was also interested in it) was being considered in connection to the problem of symbol throughout this period. Moreover, the issue of symbol became almost the main inherent point of cultural analysis, notwithstanding the incessant modification of the components of symbol (essential, conceptual and substantive) from one school of thought to another according to their methodological principles. The purpose of this paper is to consider the transformation of viewpoints on the symbol and the problem of correlation of its components within symbolic theories of culture throughout 20th century starting from the Cassirer’s theory of culture and his interpretation of Plato’s heritage.