Mathematical Simile Mathematical Metaphor

Mathematical simile is the function of virtually all applied math equations for which the public is familiar (usually scientific). For example physics equations are paradigms used to correlate experience. Mathematical models can be made for anything rationally understood and are descriptive of the relationships between the elements described.
A simile is a paradigm. One can see this expressed in the physics equation distance is equal to velocity multiplied by time. When you apply this equation to a situation you realize that this is an approximation even for all practical purposes it accomplishes the task at hand. The bottom line is that it is an approximation even though the equation expresses it as exact. The math equation is exact the application is not. Therefore it is simile ‘our experience of distance is like velocity multiplied by time.’ One may argue that the physics equation is metaphor precisely for the same reason e.g. we are saying that distance is exactly equal to velocity multiplied by time and it is not. Therefore we have a logical tension that creates the metaphor. The next step is to look at the intention of the equation, whether it is intended for connotation or denotation. Clearly physics equations are intended for denotation. Therefore what is really important for us is the intention of the equation. This also illuminates the idea that there are a lot of shades of gray between simile and metaphor yet we don’t usually think in this manner. I know a lot of people that think simile and metaphor are really the same. I believe at some point there is a nonsense threshold that one crosses and you can take it no other way except metaphor. Unfortunately that threshold line can be anywhere on a number line between the concept of simile and metaphor. Personally I see that threshold very close to simile. That is as soon as it starts getting nonsensical I consider it metaphor.

The visual image presented takes the following simile and expresses it as metaphor.

Although it may or may not be universally true I find that a man’s intelligence is inversely proportional to the levels of alcohol and testosterone in his system. I gave a lecture last week to a group of art students from Santa Ana Art Institute (Thank you Professor Ben Miles) and when I proposed this statement I got a bunch of laughs and a lot of nodding heads. Consequentially I believe there is some truth in there.