CFP: Special Issue: Insights through Metaphors

This special issue is based on a conference that was held in June 2024 at the University of Konstanz. Traditionally, discussions of metaphor tend to emphasize either its aesthetic aspect, often at the expense of its epistemic value, or vice versa. Our hypothesis, however, is that the aesthetic dimension of metaphors can actively contribute to and enhance their epistemic significance. We think that this investigation naturally leads to questions about the relationship between metaphors and images. For instance, to what extent do metaphors possess pictorial qualities? Some scholars have even suggested the existence of genuine visual metaphors. In this context, it is worth exploring the distinct properties metaphors acquire when realized visually. Further questions are: Can the epistemic value of metaphors be clarified by drawing upon the epistemic value of images? How do the aesthetic and epistemic aspects of images and metaphors relate to each other? What epistemic value can art and aesthetic objects in general hold? Is there a unique epistemic value inherent in metaphors themselves? Which value can metaphors and analogies have for science and (scientific) understanding in general? 

We invite contributions that explore these and other related questions from the perspectives of philosophy of language, linguistics, epistemology, philosophy of science, aesthetics, art history, or cultural studies.

Journal: Inquiry: An interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy

Guest Editors:

Jochen Briesen (Heidelberg University)

Jacob Hesse (Ruhr-University Bochum)

The deadline for submissions is November 1st, 2025.

Submissions should be made through the journal’s online system. When submitting, please be sure to select our special issue from the dropdown menu provided. If this step is missed, the manuscript will be processed as a regular submission.

You find the submission portal here:

https://accounts.taylorfrancis.com/identity/#/login?authorize=true&client_id=59f21242bb410562f60413514f5108d80ede3086581e834d9027687f7a875502&response_type=code&scope=mail&redirect_uri=http:%2F%2Fnew-api.taylorfrancis.com%2Fuser-auth%2Fcallback%2F100.65.64.139&state=&flow=&brand=rptnf

Submission guidelines:

https://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?show=instructions&journalCode=sinq20#words

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Jacob Hesse ([email protected]) or Jochen Briesen ([email protected]).