Metaphor

A detailed revision and refinement of the semantic theory of metaphor this book provides a comprehensive philosophical theory explicating metaphor''s cognitive contribution. According to the author metaphor effects a transference of meaning not between two terms but between two structured domains of content or semantic fields. Semantic fields construed as necessary to a theory of word-meaning provide the contrastive and affinitive relations that govern a term''s literal use. In a metaphoric use these relations are projected into a second domain which is thereby reordered with significant cognitive effects. Amply illustrated with sensitive and systematic analyses of metaphors found in literature philosophy science and quotidian language this book forges a new understanding of the relation between metaphoric and literal meaning.