Abstract

This article deals with the confrontation of Max Black, Nelson Goodman and Donald Davidson on the topic of metaphorical meaning. In particular, some aspects of their discussion are outlined as reasons for Black’s criticism of his own interaction view. Goodman’s connection between metaphor and expression, and Davidson’s criticism of nonliteral meaning of metaphor will be analyzed in the light of Black’s outstanding questions about metaphor. The examination aims to outline some limits and potential of Black’s still influential view and to motivate the encounter between the analytical approach and the questioning of aesthetics in the contemporary debate