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Metaphor and argumentation

Metaphor and argumentation – when, how, and with which functions and effects are metaphors used to suggest patterns of reasoning and argumentation by nonliteral comparison?

In the field of argumentation theory, metaphors are traditionally conceived as presentational devices that are solely used for the rhetorical embellishment of language. Nowadays it is acknowledged that metaphors can also be conceived as argumentative devices. The present program focuses on the argumentative aspects of metaphors by studying the relation between metaphor and argumentation. Among the questions addressed are: (1) How do metaphors express standpoints and arguments? (2) How can metaphor be described as argumentation by nonliteral comparison? (3) How can people argue against the use of specific metaphors?

Ongoing projects

Resistance to Metaphor
(in collaboration with Argumentation and Rhetoric Group Amsterdam)