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Single Idea 24443

[catalogued under 19. Language / F. Communication / 6. Interpreting Language / d. Metaphor]

Full Idea

Metaphor is pervasive not just in language but in thought and action. Our ordinary conceptual system is fundamentally metaphorical in nature.

Gist of Idea

Metaphor not only pervades language, but also our fundamental conceptual scheme

Source

G Lakoff / M Johnson (Metaphors We Live By [1980], 01)

A Reaction

The main thesis of their book. I'm a philosopher of thought, not of language (Dummett's distinction) so I like this. But I am not persuaded that metaphor is 'fundamental'.

Book Reference

Lakoff,G/Johnson,M: 'Metaphors We Live By' [Chicago 2003], p.3

Related Idea

Idea 24450 Metaphorical concepts arise not from concrete images but from general ones [Lakoff/Johnson]