Researchers mine millions of metaphors through computer-based techniques

[Mark Kohut]

The right metaphor is an original yoking, said Aristotle.

Databasing millions is the patterning of cliches.



----- Original Message ----
From: Dave Monroe <against.the.dave at gmail.com>
To: Henry Musikar <scuffling at gmail.com>
Cc: Pynchon Liste <pynchon-l at waste.org>
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2009 9:47:43 AM
Subject: Re: Researchers mine millions of metaphors through computer-based techniques

On Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 8:31 AM, Henry Musikar <scuffling at gmail.com> wrote:

> "Metaphors cannot be taught, asserted the great philosopher Aristotle. "It
> is the one thing that cannot be learned from others."
>
> But a computer scientist and a literary historian say he's wrong.
>
> In a project started at Stanford University, the researchers are teaching
> computers how to analyze texts from Plato to Pynchon, mining millions of
> these abstract phrases. (Metaphorically speaking.)"

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11811306