For citation: Eco U. Metaphor, Dictionary, and Encyclopedia [Digital resource] // Vox medii aevi. 2017. Vol. 1(1). P. 120–145. URL: https://voxmediiaevi.com/vol-1-eco1 ‎

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Umberto Eco (1932–2016)

Philosopher, semiotician, cultural theorist, writer, literary critic

Metaphor, Dictionary, and Encyclopedia

The article deals with the classical semiotic opposition dictionary vs. encyclopedia with respect to componential representation of metaphors. The author tests these two formats on four types of metaphors of which Aristotle speaks and draws to the conclusion, that genuine metaphorical effect can be explained only by componential representation given in the format of an encyclopedia. A dictionary can cope with Aristotelian first two types, which in fact are synecdoches, but genuine metaphors of third and forth types require representation in the form of a polydimensional network of properties (encyclopedia). As the most convenient model the author proposes one, based on the four Aristotelian causes (efficient, formal, material, and final), assumed in terms that are merely operational and without metaphysical connotations. This model substitutes or supplements the model, insufficient for explaining metaphors, the one, outlined by Porphyry in the Isagogue and represented over the centuries by the so-called Porphyry’s tree. In the end this model, based on the four Aristotelian causes, is successfully tested on kennings and metaphors, which also allows author to trace the difference between «good» («poetic») and «poor» metaphors. Moreover, the article deals with topics of transfer features, first tropes (in Viconian sense) and Freud’s «condensation». The article translated from English.

Key words: semiotic theory of metaphor; dictionary vs. encyclopedia opposition; Porphyry’s tree; a theory of transfer features; first tropes; «condensation» (Freud).

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