Symbol as an Intermediary Structure. Psychological Aspects

Abstract

The paper outlines the concept of symbol as an intermediary structure in the relations between man and God, man and the world, man and man. This structure has a great „psychological strength” and is very attractive. For man it plays an important role in the process of the formation and functioning of his attitudes. Making reference to the generally adopted model of attitudes the author considers the relation of the symbol to the cognitive, emotional and motivational spheres of human psyche.

The symbol has an integral influence on man. It gives man to „think”, and also to „feel”, „choose” and motivates him to act. It is a structure which gives a fuller shape to the relation between man and God, man and the world, and man and man. With such a function the symbol gives man the chance and possibility of fuller and richer existence.

The author suggests that psychological research on the symbol should be made and underlines the necessity to give it a proper value in the field of pedagogical sciences concerned with religious, moral and patriotic education.