Irene Ginanni

Abstract

From the Weltanschauung polyphonic by the Russian philosopher and mathematician Pavel A. Florenskij (1882 - 1937) it is possible to catch an element that keeps together and gives fulfillment to each research field that composes: the concept of symbol. This concept and its theorization, even though not configured as a single and systematic work, appear as one of the most structured in the entire philosophical landscape of the twentieth century. The essay provides a critical interpretation of the entire florenskian philosophical production, in light of the concept of symbol, and tries to identify possible new hermeneutical horizons. Following the development of the concept of symbol, from the juvenile and biographical works to its complete formulation, the text provides an analysis of its nature, construction and composition – essentially presented as that reality that is more than itself – and focuses on the icon as its most significant example.

Irene Ginanni (Pistoia, 1983) is PHD student in philosophy at University of Pisa. Her essay on the reception in Europe of the works of Pavel A. Florenskij is forthcoming.