From: rhinoceros (rhinoceros@freemail.gr)
Date: Sat May 18 2002 - 14:46:14 MDT
[bricoleur]
Words are particularly limiting when used literally. They are less limiting when used metaphorically.
[rhinoceros]
Of course, metaphor is an invaluable tool for intuition, even in mathematics and physics (modelling, isomorphism, seeking symmetries in nature etc). However, it can get very tricky at times. Remember Alan Sokal's prank?
Sometimes, metaphor can make a discussion completely pointless because of ambiguities. Sometimes, metaphor can be artfully used to spread a false idea.
---- This message was posted by rhinoceros to the Virus 2002 board on Church of Virus BBS. <http://virus.lucifer.com/bbs/index.php?board=51;action=display;threadid=25505>
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