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On Metaphor (A Critical Inquiry Book)

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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.