Abstract

Traditional Catholic moral theology employs an analogical, sacramental language that is often alien and incomprehensible to the dominant culture of the United States. Historically, that culture has been influenced most steadfastly by a Protestant worldview, which utilizes a notably metaphorical language. The tension between these two worldviews becomes more complex at the threshold of the twenty-first century as the religious, cultural and philosophical diversity of the United States rapidly expands. That diversity will inevitably impact public ethical discourse. ;This thesis investigates how an explicit examination of our metaphors, and of the metaphorical structure of language itself, is needed for public ethical discourse. Metaphors permeate our every day language, as well as our philosophical, theological and religious language. They significantly shape the way we view and think about reality. Metaphors enable us to see similarity in differences. They also reveal and conceal various perspectives. The very structure of conversation is metaphorical in the broadest sense, as it involves the transfer of meaning from one set of experiences to very different experiences. Understanding the hermeneutical, or interpretative function of metaphor is therefore key to meeting the challenges of public ethical discourse. ;In Chapter II the dissertation explores the thoughts of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas on metaphor. In particular, the epistemological underpinnings of St. Thomas, and his understanding of the relationship between metaphor and analogy, play a significant role. Chapter III engage in a historical overview of some of the more notable modern insights on metaphor in philosophy, theology, law and medicine. Chapter IV enters into a systematic, interdisciplinary discourse that examines practically the claims of the first three chapters. Chapter V examines one narrow theological question coming from the Catholic moral tradition, exploring the effect it has had on Catholic health care ethics and consequently, on public ethical discourse