The topic of Metaphors is both one of the most prolific and most demanding topics in linguistics and cognitive sciences. Tracing their investigative ontology, Aristotle is considered to be the first to write about them, with the purpose of analysing how they are constructed. In revising the relevance of Aristotle’s insights for the sciences in question, this paper raises the following question - Is Aristotle’s analysis of the creative process that gives rise to metaphors comparable to the recent results yielded by modern research?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Approaching the Creation of Metaphors
2.1 Schemas as Integral Elements of a Metaphor
2.2 The Creation of Metaphors by Schematic Integration
2.3 The Creation of Metaphor as Concept Invention
2.4 The first Example of a Metaphor by Aristotle
2.5 The second Example of a Metaphor by Aristotle
2.5.1 Which underlying Concepts allow for the “Empty Slot” idea?
2.5.2 Metaphorical Construction built by Schemas and Linguistic Structures
2.6 Empty Slots and Nameless Parts
3 Conclusion and Outlook
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines whether Aristotle’s ancient insights into the creation of metaphors are compatible with modern cognitive linguistic theories. The primary goal is to determine if the creative mechanisms Aristotle described for poetic metaphors can be formalised and explained through contemporary concepts such as schematic integration and concept invention.
- Aristotelian classification of metaphors
- The theory of image schemas as a cognitive foundation
- Schematic integration in meaning construction
- Concept invention as a formal tool for metaphorical analysis
- The structural relationship between syntax and semantics in figurative language
Excerpt from the Book
The second Example of a Metaphor by Aristotle
The second example Aristotle uses in his explanation of the metaphorical transfer makes use of more elaborate schematic interactions. “[A] poet [is]sowing around a god-created flame3”. In his text Aristotle implicitly points out to the underlying structure used in the metaphor by emphasising that there is a name missing for one of the elements in the structure. His nameless act, ἀνώνυμος (anonymos: literally: without a name), points to a central linguistic relationship making it, thus, prominently visible.
Aristotle´s description is very condensed and contains many metaphorical shifts, which need to be separately distinguished in order bring out the appreciation they deserve.
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical significance of metaphors in language and introduces the central objective of bridging Aristotelian thought with cognitive science.
2. Approaching the Creation of Metaphors: Sets the theoretical stage by reviewing Aristotle’s initial observations and the foundational definitions of metaphors.
2.1 Schemas as Integral Elements of a Metaphor: Explains how underlying conceptual schemas act as the basis for creating and interpreting metaphorical transfers.
2.2 The Creation of Metaphors by Schematic Integration: Introduces Mandler’s cognitive structures to demonstrate how complex meanings are built from simpler, spatial primitives.
2.3 The Creation of Metaphor as Concept Invention: Connects the formalization of schema interrelationships with computational approaches to concept synthesis.
2.4 The first Example of a Metaphor by Aristotle: Applies modern schematic analysis to Aristotle’s example of comparing "old age" to the "evening of life."
2.5 The second Example of a Metaphor by Aristotle: Investigates more complex poetic structures using thematic roles to expose hidden relationships.
2.5.1 Which underlying Concepts allow for the “Empty Slot” idea?: Deconstructs the semantic and syntactic foundations that lead to structurally "missing" elements in metaphorical expressions.
2.5.2 Metaphorical Construction built by Schemas and Linguistic Structures: Integrates grammatical syntax with conceptual schemas to articulate Aristotle’s demand for analogy.
2.6 Empty Slots and Nameless Parts: Discusses the potential of the "nameless act" to function as a key constituent in metaphorical transfers.
3 Conclusion and Outlook: Summarizes the finding that Aristotle’s insights align surprisingly well with modern findings, validating his work as a precursor to cognitive linguistics.
Keywords
Metaphors, Aristotle, Image Schemas, Schematic Integration, Concept Invention, Cognition, Linguistics, Thematic Roles, Semantic Structures, Analogy, Cognitive Modeling, Poetics, Mental Concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research explores the intersection between Aristotle’s classical rhetoric—specifically his analysis of metaphorical construction—and modern cognitive science, focusing on how metaphors are generated through mental structures.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
Key themes include image schemas, schematic integration, conceptual blending, the relationship between syntax and semantics, and the formalization of "concept invention."
What is the primary goal of this paper?
The goal is to determine if current scientific models, such as those by Mandler or Hedblom, can be used to explain and validate the creative processes Aristotle originally attributed to poets.
Which methodologies are employed to analyze the text?
The author uses a comparative linguistic approach, applying cognitive science frameworks and thematic role analysis to examine specific examples provided in Aristotle’s Poetics.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It provides a stepwise analysis of Aristotelian examples, breaking them down into schemas, identifying "empty slots" in sentence structures, and comparing these findings with modern psychological theories on metaphor.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
The work is best defined by terms like Metaphors, Aristotle, Image Schemas, Schematic Integration, and Concept Invention.
How does the author define the "empty slot" in Chapter 2.5?
The "empty slot" refers to a predication or thematic role that lacks a specific linguistic name, which the author argues is a deliberate rhetorical and cognitive device used to create metaphorical meaning.
What conclusion does the author draw regarding Aristotle's mastery of metaphor?
The author concludes that Aristotle demonstrated an advanced implicit understanding of conceptual schemas long before the advent of modern cognitive science, proving his work significantly ahead of its time.
- Quote paper
- Luisa Moser (Author), 2018, Aristotle on Metaphors, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1383406
