Metaphoresis, Do We Know What We Are Talking About?

By Richard Matlick

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 189316201X
• ISBN13: 9781893162013
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Erica House Book Pub
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Compelling and thought-provoking argument

Author's argument -- that our brains are hardwired for metaphor-making and that the metaphor of the marketplace is the wrong one for the criminal justice system -- is compelling. I found myself wondering what other cultural metaphors are taking us in directions we do not wish to go. Thought-provoking and disturbing -- in all the best ways.Helen B. Mitchell

"Metaphoresis" is a modern challenge to the justice system.

Mr. Matlick takes a novel approach to whip our minds into questioning the legal/justice systems use of language in perhaps distorting just what it is and how it should be viewed. The use of a classic technique - the ducks as a Greek chorus is frosting on the cake.

A thoughtful, original and entertaining book.

This is a very thoughful and original book, with a lively and humorous approach to some very weighty matters. It will make you think about expressions that we use every day with little if any conscious thought, and their genesis. In particular, though, it will make you think some uncomfortable thoughts about law and justice, and whether there is any connection between the two in our society. All this is done with lively dialogue and a Greek chorus of ducks (it's wierd but it works, and it's very funny). It may take a while to get into the rhythm of this book but it's well worth the effort. Even the footnotes are fascinating!

A charmingly erudite book from which there is much to learn!

While perhaps not for the flimsy intellect, the author, Richard Matlick, (who is seemingly part curmudgeon, part sprite) has created in his new book, METAPHORESIS, a delightful rendering of the philosophy of language and it's current use and MISUSE. Taking a subject that for most of us is as dry as the Dustbowl in August, he blends whimsy with erudition and ends up with an often laugh-out-loud dialogue between himself, the ancient Greek "lawyer" Protagoras and a truly hilarious Greek chorus of sarcastic, verity-driven ducks. The premise of the dialogue is that we distinctly DO NOT know what we are saying due to the misuse of word and metaphor, and that this is a dangerous (and irritating!) situation which can and does have a pejorative affect on our modern lives and laws. If we don't really say what we mean, (because we don't really know what we're saying), how can we possibly MEAN what we SAY? This philosophical linguistic conundrum goes William Saffire one better, both in creative delivery and scholarly depth. Read METAPHORESIS to learn about the "evils" and ills and dangers of language gone awry; read it to spend time with an author with whom one would like to sit on the porch for an afternoon of talking (albeit CAREFULLY!); and, if for no other reason, read it for those funny, funny ducks! "This pond is deeper than you are," say they! But, Richard Matlick seems deeper than most, and more delightful!