Metaphor as the linking mechanism between presentational and propositional knowing¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Drawing on Mezirow's two dimensions of awareness and Lakoff and Johnson's conceptual metaphor theory, the article treats metaphor as the bridge between imagistic and rational construal. As printed: "Metaphor windsup being a linking mechanism on this continuum", with propositional knowing based in metaphor relating abstractions to basic physicalities, and presentational knowing using imagery as iconic placeholders. Chormmunity workshops deliberately traverse this continuum.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Both presentational and propositional modes of construing meaning must remain in interaction during learning

Constraints¶

• The article acknowledges adults remain enmeshed in a print-literate, Philosophic and Ironic world, so the verbal-rational modality is a given starting point

Target Learners¶

• adult learners

Target Learning Objectives¶

• integrating image-based and language-based meaning-making

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• Workshop arc: oral conversation, then imagistic, then somatic, ending in ritual performance
• Intentionally activate symbols so they assist transformative learning

Key Sources¶

• Loper, Paul. (2000). Chormmunity: Co-Creating Embodied Community. ERIC Document ED443009. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED443009