Beyond rationalism: Pancasila as a symbolic system

Abstract

Pancasila has predominantly been interpreted within a rational-normative philosophical tradition that emphasises conceptual coherence, logical consistency, and systematic relationships among its five principles. While this approach has contributed significantly to the development of Pancasila philosophy, it remains limited in explaining how Pancasila functions as a living reality within Indonesian society. This study proposes an alternative interpretation by examining Pancasila through Ernst Cassirer’s philosophy of symbolic forms. Employing a qualitative philosophical approach, the research applies a conceptual adequacy test combined with interpretative conceptual analysis to evaluate the extent to which Pancasila fulfils the characteristics of a symbolic system. The analysis reconstructs five conceptual criteria derived from Cassirer’s theory—mediating function, meaning construction, collective dimension, experiential orientation, and independence from empirical verification—and systematically maps them onto the structure and functions of Pancasila. The findings demonstrate that each principle  (sila) operates not merely as a normative proposition but as a symbolic form that mediates collective meaning, shapes civic identity, provides ethical and political orientation, and legitimises Indonesia’s socio-political order. Furthermore, the study argues that interpreting Pancasila as a symbolic system offers an alternative epistemological framework that complements the dominant rational-formal tradition by explaining its enduring relevance through symbolic mediation rather than solely through logical coherence. This reinterpretation expands contemporary Pancasila studies by connecting them with philosophy of culture, symbolic philosophy, and interpretative approaches to political thought, while providing broader implications for Pancasila education, civic education, and future philosophical research.