METAPHORICITY OF PHILOSOPHICAL LANGUAGE

Abstract

Can metaphors be found in philosophical texts? Isn’t the language of philosophy metaphorical (as well)? Metaphor is, in rethorics, is an elliptical, picturesque expression, a word in its transferred meaning which otherwise is not its usual and true sense. It is often identified with poetic image. This paper deals with the basic stances of Jacques Derrida on the metaphoric character of philosophical language. He maintains that philosophers use words that are already worn out and whose original sense was lost or cannot be determined straight away, in order to conceal their trace. In doing so, Derrida uses economic categories: consumption, exchange, usage. Thus, metaphor is comprehended as a departing from its own essence in order to finally seek out its trace and origin. We can define it in that way as a temporary loss of meaning.