Abstract

This study explores the thesis that scientific discourse is metaphorical since it represents a perception of the dynamic unity of nature. This thesis is explored in a case study analysis of Charles Darwin, James D. Watson and Francis Crick, and Barbara McClintock. ;The case study analysis in chapter three takes as a framework the description of metaphor and science presented in chapter one and the distinctions about metaphor and biology presented in chapter two. The study reveals that Darwin showed an awareness of ever-changing natural phenomena. Because he knew that his discourse could not capture nature in its dynamic entirety, Darwin referred to his terms as "metaphorical." Watson and Crick acknowledged the dynamic nature of their insight, but also claimed that molecular biological discourse can describe nature as it is. McClintock sought to reestablish the metaphorical sense of scientific discourse. ;This study concludes that the power of scientific discourse lies in its ability to reestablish the metaphorical perception of a dynamic nature. The findings of this study have implications for rhetoric as an interdisciplinary art