Single Idea 18024

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

Full Idea

On standard versions of the simile theory of metaphors, they mean the same as the corresponding simile.

Gist of Idea

One theory says metaphors mean the same as the corresponding simile

Source

Ofra Magidor (Category Mistakes [2013], 3.5)

Book Reference

Magidor,Ofra: 'Category Mistakes' [OUP 2013], p.68


A Reaction

Magidor points out that this allows the metaphor to work while being meaningless, since all the work is done by the perfectly meaningful simile. But the metaphor must at least mean enough to indicate what the simile is.

Related Idea

Idea 18025 The simile view of metaphors removes their magic, and won't explain why we use them [Magidor]