Molecular metaphors taking on lives of their own: An investigation of metaphor in the conceptualisation of genetics and immunology

Abstract

Genetics and immunology presently hold tremendous possibilities for changing the future through their biotechnological applications. To comprehend such complex subjects metaphor is generally employed. It is my contention that as these scientific concepts are repeatedly reinforced in both scientific and mass media representations, the metaphors suffuse our conceptual system to such an extent that they are no longer recognised as metaphors. Instead, they tend to be viewed as scientific ‘fact’. I have termed such pervasive metaphors, ‘concept metaphors’. I argue that the predominant concept metaphors regarding genetics and immunology are ‘information coding’ and ‘militarization’, respectively. Through this research, the origins of these concept metaphors as well as the extent to which they influence our current perceptions of life and health, become startlingly patent. I conclude by demonstrating how the utilisation of novel metaphors can significantly alter our conceptualisations and consequently, perceptions of these areas of molecular biology.