The Metaphoric Origins of Objectivity, Subjectivity, and Consciousness in The Direct Perception of Reality
Philosophy of Science June 1, 1995 DOI: 10.1086/289857 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 13 |
| Key points | Proposes that consciousness functions as an operator working with 'covert behavior' to integrate temporally discontinuous percepts with concepts derived from metaphoric extensions of embodied perception schemas, thereby transcending direct perception. Argues that self-conscious awareness is language-based and that subjectivity and objectivity are metaphors rooted in perception schemas. |
Abstract
This paper utilizes the theories of metaphor of George Lakoff, Mark Johnson and Julian Jaynes to extend Jaynes' metaphor theory of consciousness by treating consciousness as an operator that works with ‘covert behavior’ so that humans can integrate temporally discontinuous percepts with concepts based on metaphoric extensions of the embodied schemas of direct and immediate perception and thereby transcend the limitations of direct perception. A theory of first-person expressions and covert behavior to account for self-conscious awareness as language-based is advanced. Subjectivity and objectivity are metaphors based on schemas of perception.