Amount Quote by Steven Pinker
“An enormous amount of scientific language is metaphorical. We talk about a genetic code, where code originally meant a cipher; we talk about the solar system model of the atom as though the atom were like a sun and moon and planets.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sense of Style, 2014
Scientific terminology often uses metaphor, borrowing everyday concepts to describe complex ideas.
In simple terms: Science talks in metaphors to explain complex ideas.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of metaphorical limits in scientific language.
Themes
science
language
metaphor
communication
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching science
- writing research papers
- public outreach
- policy briefs
Key Concepts
cognitive linguistics
conceptual metaphor theory
science communication
Questions to Reflect On
- When does metaphor clarify versus confuse?
- How can we improve precision without losing accessibility?
A Different Perspective
Metaphors can mislead if taken literally.
