The Application of Metaphor in Philosophical Hermeneutics of Gadamer and Pragmatism of Davidson

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Germany Language and Literature, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD Candidate, of philosophy of art, Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

Many theorists have been developing their concepts on metaphor, among which Gadamer and Davidson are two thinkers for whom metaphor plays a key role in their philosophical project—and, interestingly, both disagree with Aristotle’s view which considers metaphor as a shortened simile. Both philosophers believe that there is no definite method or systematic procedure for understanding truth; every interpretation is based on language, and the foundation of understanding is also structured by interpretation and language. Additionally, any act of understanding requires a prior background agreement, principle of charity. Metaphor, too, is a concept entirely dependent on understanding, therefore on language. For Gadamer, the conception of understanding is based on the "fusion of horizons". This fusion does not at all mean the suppression of difference; rather, he considers understanding as a fusion that occurs in metaphor. On the other hand, Davidson believes that what is recognized as metaphorical meaning is not meaning, but rather, in fact, its particular use. Now, considering both philosophers’ serious attention to the concept of metaphor, the main question of this research is: How can metaphor be grounded as a central concept in Gadamer and Davidson`s view on elucidating “understanding truth”? Through the investigation carried out, it becomes clear that for Gadamer, metaphor has a hermeneutic and ontological function, whereas for Davidson, it is examined as a literary device with epistemological implications. Nevertheless, this concept can be considered a foundational point through the determination of “Horizon”.

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References

 
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Journal of Philosophical Investigations
Volume 19, Issue 52 - Serial Number 52
Articles
52 Autumn 2025
November 2025
Pages 519-542

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