BETWEEN CONTEMPLATION AND SYMBOLIC RESEARCH — THE THEORY OF METAPHOR IN GERMAN PHILOSOPHY OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Abstract

1. Interpretation of Metaphor in the Spirit of Rationalism. Thesis: Rationalist hermeneutics seeks to rationalize metaphorical expressions, which appear to be irrational (— a sort of ,reductionism'). Problem: One cannot understand why metaphor is used. § 2. »Ut pictura poesis« and the Metaphor. Thesis: Poetics and Aesthetics in the 18th century seek the character of metaphor that cannot be reduced to a figurative' meaning in its ,intuitinality' Example: Breitinger: »poetical picture«. A (corpus) : B (head) = C (state) : D (king). Baumgarten: »extensive clarity«. 3. Metaphor as the Reflex of the »way of thinking«. Thesis: Herder criticizes the lack of historical perspective of the theory of the enlightenment, and seeks in the metaphor the expression of the »Denkweise«. Consequence: 1. critique of the dualism of rational and irrational 2. réévaluation of mythology (-> Moritz, Romantists) 3. critique of allegorical interpretation (->- Goethe: Allegory -<—» Symbol).