On Metaphor (A Critical Inquiry Book) [Paperback]

Sheldon Sacks (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0226733343 | ISBN-13: 978-0226733340 | Publication Date: September 15, 1979

On Metaphor, a collection of fourteen essays by eminent philosophers, literary critics, theologians, art historians, and psychologists, illustrates and explores a striking phenomenon in modern intellectual history: the transformation of metaphor from a specialized concern of rhetoricians and literary critics to a central concept in the study of human understanding. These lively and provocative essays probe the nature, function, and meaning of metaphor and collectively demonstrate the multidisciplinary implications of the concept.

Because of its comprehensive scope, the volume is useful both as a resource for those interested in contemporary philosophy and theories of language and as a text for courses in such areas as the philosophy of language, critical theory, and the philosophy of knowledge. Originally published as a special issue of Critical Inquiry, the present collection includes two new contributions by Max Black and Nelson Goodman, along with a comprehensive index to the work.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press Journals (September 15, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226733343
• ISBN-13: 978-0226733340
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #235,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly, interdisciplinary look at the nature and use of metaphor, November 12, 2011

By 

E. Jaksetic (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Metaphor (A Critical Inquiry Book) (Paperback)

This book is based on nine speeches given at a February 1978 interdisciplinary symposium on the nature and use of metaphor, as well as six brief commentaries on the nine speeches. The speakers at the symposium included five professors of philosophy, a professor of rhetoric, a professor of theology, a professor of art, and two psychologists (joint presentation). The six brief commentaries were provided by two of the symposium speakers (a professor of philosophy and a professor of rhetoric), and four other professors of philosophy. The nine professors of philosophy represent several different philosophical schools of thought.

The speeches and commentaries present a scholarly discussion and debate about the nature of metaphor and its uses. The speeches and commentaries exhibit a range of different writing styles and different analytical approaches, but they all are highly technical in nature, and some of the text is jargon-laden. Even readers with knowledge of, and experience with, philosophical or theological analysis and classical or modern rhetoric may find some of the speeches and commentaries challenging.

Anyone looking for a casual or introductory book on the nature of metaphor and its uses should look elsewhere. Anyone conducting research on the nature of metaphor and its uses should start with less difficult books before reading this one.