Publications

Publication details [#7834]

Publication type
Article in book  
Publication language
English
Place, Publisher
Cambridge , UK: Cambridge University Press

Abstract

My purpose in this chapter is to examine the role that metaphorical thought has played in the historical development of motivational psychology. The relation between motives and metaphors constitutes a particularly apt topic, since recently there has been growing interest in the significance of metaphors and analogies in scientific thought (e.g., Boyd, 1979; Gruber, 1980; Hesse, 1966; Kuhn, 1979; Leatherdale, 1974; Mac-Cormac, 1985; McReynolds, 1980; Turbayne, 1962) and since the field of motivation is one of the most basic and venerable areas of psychology. Rather than beginning with a predetermined conception of the utility of metaphors in motivational theorizing and then looking for historical instances that fit that conception, I will present a historical survey of different approaches to motivation, paying special attention to the use of metaphors and analogies, and I shall then draw such conclusions from the data as seem warranted. Though my survey is necessarily limited and selective, it covers a representative sample of motivational perspectives. (Paul McReynolds)