Susanne Langer was an influential American philosopher and a prominent figure in the field of aesthetics and the philosophy of art. Born in 1895, she developed a unique framework for understanding the nature of human expression and the role of symbols in conveying meaning. Langer believed that art plays a critical role in human society, enabling individuals to explore and express complex emotions and ideas through creative forms. Her work emphasized the significance of abstraction in art, arguing that it serves as a vehicle for expressing feelings rather than merely representing external reality.
One of her most notable contributions is the distinction between discursive symbols, which convey logical propositions, and non-discursive symbols, which embody feelings and experiences. This insight was crucial in her analysis of art, languages, and forms of expression. Langer's ideas provided a foundation for understanding the emotional depth and psychological impact of artistic endeavors. She argued that art transcends language and captures the essence of human experience in ways that rational discourse cannot.
Langer's writings, including her major work "Feeling and Form," have left a profound legacy in aesthetics, influencing various disciplines such as psychology, literature, and education. Her philosophy prompts a reevaluation of the function of art in society, suggesting that it is not merely an accessory to life but a fundamental aspect of human existence. Langer's exploration of the ways in which art can articulate the inexpressible continues to resonate, establishing her as a key figure in 20th-century thought.