Susanne K. Langers “Mind: An Essay on Human Feeling.” Eine späte Wiederentdeckung

It is about 100 Years ago that the German-American philosopher Susanne K. Langer started a bold and courageous appearance on the stage of consciousness-research - until then exclusively dominated by male and paternalistic figures. This contribution is to highlight SK Langers work and impact on the theory of consciousness, especially on her final three volume publication: “Mind. An Essay on Human Feeling” (1967, 1972, 1982) which, until now, has not been translated into German.

What stands out in Langer’s work is her intuitive closeness to many Gestalt-theorists and the overriding importance she attributes to symbolization in the specific make-up of the human mind. Her main focus is centered on presentative symbolics; meaning those early forms of human expression (prior or along the development of human language) in magic rituals, rhythm, music, painting and sculpturing, early collective work experience, formalized playing or funeral activities.

Langers view on symbols goes far beyond the typical meaning of reference towards a much more sophisticated intertwinement of form, event and being in a matrix of “living tensions”. I would like to point out that her research is of important value to a revised thinking on mental health and mental crisis in reshaping the complex interaction between image, Gestalt and Symbol.