The role of metaphors in pain experiences

Abstract

The present paper claims that metaphors allow the human being to deal with reality and make his life livable. They are the space where to narrate what we are, to deal with our deepest sorrows, away from the dangers of the world and the inclemency of reality. To achieve this purpose this paper focuses on the German philosopher Hans Blumenberg, particularly on his notions of metaphorology and delegation. We want to investigate how pain experiences can be treated through metaphors. This text consists of four parts: i) principles for a metaphorology in Hans Blumenberg, ii) metaphors to talk about pain, iii) the phenomenon of delegation and iv) consolation as an example of the phenomenon of delegation.