Homo-Machina Visual Metaphors, Representations of Consciousness and Scientific Thinking

Abstract

Since the ancient past, philosophers and scientists have developed a particular kind of representations aiming at describing the human nature. Many of these images could be considered as visual metaphors, so it is possible to study them using two different approaches. The first one aims at analysing the connection existing between these images, the scientific paradigms, and other elements of the cultural context within which they emerged. The second approach strives to underline some specific elements that characterise the inherent power of these visual metaphors, ensuring their success in scientific and cultural context. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.