Metaphors in Philosophy

Q&A Question #2: Should metaphor have a place in philosophical writing?

The introduction to the metaphor section lists three common types of questions about metaphors, which I will paraphrase as 1) What are they? 2) How do we interpret them? 3) What is their purpose? I think that once these three questions have been explored, we must ask a follow-up question: 4) Ought writers to use metaphors?

I think that only the harshest opponent of metaphor would object to their use in fiction. Yes, perhaps metaphors run the risk of being vague or misleading, but no harm comes from their use in fiction.

The use of metaphor in philosophy, however, is a more contentious subject. Some thinkers, like Thomas Hobbes, condemned the use of metaphor in philosophy because metaphors are merely ornamental. Some think that philosophers should aspire for their writing to be as clear and straightforward as possible. While I agree with this sentiment, I also think that metaphors can help to illuminate ideas and facilitate abstract thinking. I also think that philosophical writing should aspire to be literary, and therefore even if metaphors are strictly ornamental, these ornaments are still a boon to philosophical writing.