Metaphor, Meaning and Cognition (American University Studies) - Hardcover

Ross, Don

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0820421510 ISBN 13: 9780820421513

Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers, 1994

Synopsis

This book explores and offers solutions to a range of conceptual and philosophical problems that underlie attempts to understand metaphor processing in the context of cognitive science. The author vigorously criticizes the prevailing philosophical prejudice against traditional «comparison» theories of metaphor, arguing that the problems with the comparison theory are exciting problems that demand solutions, rather than grounds for rejecting the theory itself. Furthermore, it is through these problems that the study of metaphor processing is linked to wider issues in cognitive science, including disputes about computational architectures and neural mechanisms.

About this title

About the Author

The Author: Don Ross is an assistant professor of Philosphy at the University of Ottawa in Canada. He has published articles on the philosphical foundations of cognitive science in various journals, including Philosphy of Science. This is his first book.

Review

«Dr. Ross formulates an account of metaphorical usage that substantially improves on existing accounts and has important implications for understanding the use and treatment of metaphors in a number of contexts that have long interested philosophers, e.g., in scientific practice, in psychological explanation and in modelling of cognitive processes». (Alison Wylie, University of Western Ontario)
«Dr. Ross provides a new and powerful analysis of the nature of metaphor as a special conveyer of meaning and as a rich cognitive device. It will be found useful to philosophers of science, epistemologists ans philosophers of psychology and of mind. I know of no book on this subject which so masterfully combines philosophical insight and a deep knowledge of cognitive science». (Robert Butts, University of Western Ontario)

Edition details

• Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0820421510
• ISBN 13: 9780820421513
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 210