The Emergence of a Root Metaphor in Modern Physics: Max Planck's ‘Quantum’ Metaphor

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 1997

The Emergence of a Root Metaphor in Modern Physics: Max Planck's ‘Quantum’ Metaphor

Richard D. Johnson-Sheehan

Abstract

The two purposes of this article are: 1) to use metaphorical analysis to determine whether or not Max Planck invented the quantum postulate and 2) to demonstrate how metaphorical analysis can be used to analyze the rhetoric of revolutionary texts in science. Metaphors often serve as the basis of invention for scientific theories. When we identify these metaphors in Planck's original 1900 quantum paper, it is clear that Planck did consider the quantum postulate to be important. However, we also see that he does not consider the quantum postulate to be revolutionary.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1997-04-01
DOI: 10.2190/lxwh-uxtl-2bbt-prm5
Open Access: Closed
Topics: multimodality

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

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Cites in this index (1)

Johnson-Sheehan (1995)

Scientific Communication and Metaphors: An Analysis of Einstein's 1905 Special …

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Also cites 2 works outside this index ↓

10.1016/B978-0-08-012102-4.50013-9

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Pais A. (1991)

Niels Bohr's Times

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