Humanistic rehabilitation of the metaphorical word

Abstract

The fundamental thesis in which occurs the present study lies in a discussion of the philosophical function of the metaphorical word, to which the rationalist tradition historically has been giving it literary meaning and function. It will analyze both traditional criticism to the rhetoric –to which it has been considered a mere wrapper of truth– as well as the defense which will make certain branch of renaissance Humanism of speculative power of metaphor. In order to conclude with the ontological primacy of the metaphorical word. In such a way, and starting from some of the fundamental thesis of philosopher Ernesto Grassi, we can finalize with a revaluation of rhetoric as a philosophical tool, which will allow us to legitimize the use of metaphor as a mechanism capable of expressing the changing nature of reality.