ON METAPHOR IN ARISTOTLE

Abstract

This paper analyzes the issue of metaphor as a teaching strategy. It claims that metaphor plays the role of teaching within Aristotle’s work, as it contributes to the understanding of puzzling, obscure and difficult to explain objects and situations. My conclusion is that Aristotle was familiar with the rhetorical and dialectical traditions as forms of expression of philosophical thought, and assumed metaphor as a powerful mechanism to embrace that tradition, but from a higher, more resourceful, creative and demanding place. It suffices to acknowledge the effort of this philosopher to offer permanent examples, so that learning processes could be generated through clarity, pleasure and the sense of estrangement contained in metaphor. Aristotle’s contribution is the stimulation of a desire to know more about the philosophical problem at issue, and the strategies given to the philosopher to take up the task of concept clarification and building, which would help him achieve a better understanding of what inflicted agony upon him for not knowing it.