Metaphors: Concept-Family in Context

Abstract

In this article we offer a new explanation of metaphors based upon Wittgenstein's
notion of family resemblance and language games. We argue that metaphor does not
exist per se but only in a given context. It is a connection between two
concept-families established by the most appropriate representatives of each family.
The most appropriate representatives are promoted on grounds of associations that
limit the event to the standard of the rules in a language game. Context is defined
as associations, goals and knowledge about the rules of the language game.