Narrative metaphor: Integrating insights in cognitive science into a toolset for intentionally shaping vocational pursuits

Abstract

Divining meaning in the world around us and integrating that into the stories we tell about who we are and what motivates us is essential to both our cognitive processing and overall well-being. At the same time, our conscious processes are dependent on inputs from our social and physical environment for the raw materials needed to develop abstract thought through metaphor. The overlap between these two concepts is the narrative metaphor, and its power to shape the development of both our selfconcept and intuition demands pedagogical attention. This article lays out the roots of a theory of the narrative metaphor, and provides examples of possible integrations in the classroom.

Narrative metaphor as a tool for exploring character formation

“…I have previously argued that narrative metaphor is a concept worthy of emphasis as it pertains to the development of our self-concept (Roth, 2019: 74–75). I define the term as concepts that sit at the important intersection of both narrative and metaphor.…”