Document Type : Biannual Journal
Author
Assistant Professor, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Abstract
Cognitive linguists use two instruments to explain the process of human cognition: image schema and conceptual metaphor. Image schema is a mental structure that is the result of human interaction with sensory things especially human body. Conceptual metaphor extends the image schema from sensory concepts to abstract concepts systematically. Usual human interaction with physical containers like human body, house, and vehicles create the image schema of in-out orientation (containment image schema) in the mind. Conceptual metaphors based on this image schema are used to conceptualize many abstract concepts as containers.
Mulla Sadra uses Arabic words like ẓarf (container), wiʻā’(container), dār(house) and buqʻah (spot) to describe metaphysical concepts such as existence ,quiddity and non-existence. Also, he talk about going in or out of existence and non-existence. He uses external existence in opposition to mental existence. This evidences are understandable in the context of the containment image schema and conceptual metaphors based on this image schema.
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