Metaphors

A visually stunning journey through some key philosophical concepts, presented through simple metaphors and captivating artwork.

The word metaphor comes to us from Ancient Greek, in which it meant “transfer.” In this book, philosophical concepts from throughout history and from all over the world, are transferred into images, which help us to understand the world that surrounds us using memorable colors and shapes.

Designed for those curious about philosophy and its intricacies, this elegant and accessible book explores twenty-four metaphors, that are foundational to our understanding of the human experience and the mysteries of existence.

Each double-page spread explores a specific metaphor such as the mirror, light, an iceberg, or the matrix. One side of the spread offers information about the philosopher; an original quote; the source text; a symbol for each metaphor; and contextual background. The opposite page features a gorgeous artwork that encapsulates the overarching significance of the metaphor it illustrates.

From Heraclitus’ “river,” the first metaphor of western philosophy, to the “liquid metaphor” a concept introduced by the sociologist Zygmunt Bauman to describe the characteristics of contemporary society, this fascinating guide is a clear and memorable introduction to world philosophy. It’s the perfect book for a budding philosopher or anyone interested in in exploring profound ideas through art.