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Metaphors Matter: Unraveling Three Essential Propositions.

This article delves into the significance and role of metaphors in shaping knowledge, perceptions, and decisions within the healthcare domain. Through a critical analysis of their impact, particularly in the dynamics between healthcare professionals and patients, three dimensions are proposed for un...

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Published in:Revista Estudios de Filosofía no. 70; pp. 77 - 100
Main Author: Meza Gavilanes, Diego
Format: Article
Published: Universidad de Antioquia, Instituto de Filosofia jul-dic2024
Subjects:
Metaphor
Medical personnel
Medical anthropology
Power tools
Critical analysis
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Summary:This article delves into the significance and role of metaphors in shaping knowledge, perceptions, and decisions within the healthcare domain. Through a critical analysis of their impact, particularly in the dynamics between healthcare professionals and patients, three dimensions are proposed for unraveling their significance: the political dimension views metaphors as agents of power and tools for legitimizing inequalities; the cultural dimension sees them as cultural residues challenging prevailing biomedical knowledge; and the ethical dimension raises questions about the moral implications of the constructed narratives. This holistic approach aims to enhance our understanding of the intricate interplay between language, cognition, and disease, ultimately advocating for more comprehensive approaches in healthcare.
Este artículo examina el significado y la función de las metáforas en la configuración del conocimiento, las percepciones y decisiones en el ámbito de la salud. Al analizar críticamente su impacto, especialmente en la relación entre profesionales de la salud y pacientes, se proponen tres dimensiones para desentrañar su significado: la política, que las examina como agentes de poder y como instrumento para la legitimación de las desigualdades; la cultural, que considera las metáforas como sedimentos culturales que desafían el conocimiento biomédico predominante; y la ética, que cuestiona las implicaciones morales de las narrativas construidas. Este enfoque holístico busca mejorar la comprensión de la interacción compleja entre lenguaje, cognición y enfermedad, promoviendo aproximaciones más completas en el ámbito de la salud.