Analogies, metaphors and models in art and science
Part of : Philosophical inquiry ; Vol.XXXI, No.3-4, 2009, pages 51-64
Issue:
Pages:
51-64
Author:
Abstract:
Analogy, as the connection of similar things, is present in all fields of human thought. Art uses verbal (in poetry, literature, art criticism) and optical analogies (in the visual arts), aiming at an emotional perception and interpretation of the world. Philosophy and the sciences also use largely analogical applications, as a means to construct intuitionally understandable theories. In Law the analogical application of laws is an efficient way to regulate social conflicts. The risk, however, of cognitive distortions, by transferring inadequately explanatory models to other fields, created doubts about the rational appropriateness of such methodological tools. Applications of analogical thinking in different domains are readily comprehensible, if the role of analogies in each of them is analysed. The different aims of science, philosophy and art imply different similarity-criteria to support the transfer of linguistic and visual expressions in regions to which they do not have a direct connection and application.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
