LFU:online

Acquisition of knowledge in philosophical theory of metaphor; deepening of competences and experience in various strands of philosophy of language

What is a metaphor, in what does it consist and how can it be described? How can we delineate the difference between metaphors and concepts? Can we conceive of a totally non-metaphorical language? If so, how would such a language appear? If not, what would that mean for the ideal of a clear and precise philosophical language?

On the one hand, metapher has always been the paradigm of poetical and rhetorical speech and thus the opposite of conceptual language. On the other hand, philosophy is, as it appears, necessarily drawn to metaphors, analogies, and figurative speech in order to enforce its claims to truth and knowledge. Thus, metaphor is a focal point of philosophical self-reflection.

All major traditions in 20th century philosophy of language (analytic philosophy, hermeneutics and phenomenology, structuralism and poststructuralism) deal with the question of metaphor. Discussing these theories, the seminar scrutinizes the complex relation of philosophy and rhetoric.

Active participation, presentations, written submissions

Combined

TBA in first course unit.