On Metaphor
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Date
1991-06
Authors
Berryman, Sylvia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Current debate on metaphor, involving philosophers from very different traditions, is a response to Black's challenge of Aristotle's view. Following this lead, the absurdity of metaphor--the clash within the sentence--is stressed, downplaying the role of perceived similarities. From different perspectives, Ricoeur, Davidson and Searle emphasize the innovative aspects of metaphor, treating it as deviant, distinct from literal language.
This emphasis risks forfeiting explanatory power. Taking our ability to understand metaphors as a starting point, the assumptions behind talk of 'live' and 'dead' metaphors is challenged. The treatment of metaphor as a poetic device, and the focus on innovative metaphors are questioned. Recent work in linguistics suggests new resources in accounting for our understanding of metaphors, without denying their novelty. The dichotomy between the creative aspects of metaphor and our understanding of them may only be apparent.
Description
107 pages
Keywords
metaphor, philosophy, extended metaphor, debate, Ricoeur, Davidson, Searle