Figuras de conceito. Sobre a linguagem em Merleau-Ponty

Merleau-Ponty frequently uses metaphors in his texts. At first sight, such resource would have a functional role, that is, it would allow him to say the same in another way, through images. However, in the absence of the ideal of representation, and therefore of objective reference, the figure must be understood not as an accessory illustration, but as a use of language that modifies its referential status. By metaphorically conceiving the language of philosophy, Merleau-Ponty incorporates a procedure from literary narrative, thus revealing in which way philosophy and language relate in his work, in what concerns both its textual arrangement, and the philosophical problem of language.