Models and Metaphors

Although the range is wide (philosophy of language, logic, philosophy of science) in this collection of essays, there is a certain unity of treatment arising from the author's steady interest in using "linguistic analysis" to cast some new light on old problems, such as the nature of logic, causation, and induction.

The late Max Black was Susan Linn Sage Professor of Philosophy and Human Letters at Cornell University and President of the International Institute of Philosophy. His other books include Language and Philosophy and The Labyrinth of Language.

Some of the studies, such as 'Can the Effect Precede the Cause?' 'Metaphor,' 'The "Direction" of Time,' are unusually pleasing. Black writes very well, and it is a source of intellectual gratification to watch his keen mind moving skillfully and patiently back and forth, like a mine detector, over an innocent-looking terrain, searching out the traps and hidden dangers underneath.