期刊名称：Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education
印刷版ISSN：1935-7877
电子版ISSN：1935-7885
出版年度：2018
卷号：19
期号：1
页码：1-5
DOI：10.1128/jmbe.v19i1.1538
出版社：American Society for Microbiology
摘要：The language of science is largely metaphorical. Scientists rely on metaphor and analogy to make sense of scientific phenomena and communicate their findings to each other and to the public. Yet, despite their utility, metaphors can also constrain scientific reasoning, contribute to public misunderstandings, and, at times, inadvertently reinforce stereotypes and messages that undermine the goals of inclusive science. This paper 1) examines the generative potential of metaphors to the advancement of scientific knowledge and science communication, 2) highlights the ways in which outdated metaphors may limit scientific inquiry and contribute to public misunderstandings, and 3) critically analyzes the implications of cryptic social and political messages embedded in common metaphors in the life sciences.
