Analysis Of The Contradictions Of ICMs

Idealized Cognitive Model (ICM), proposed by Lakoff in 1982 and 1987, aims at solving the limitations of the Prototype Category Theory. ICM includes four constructive principles, namely, propositional structure model, image schema model, metaphorical mapping and metonymic mapping. It is the product of the second generation of cognitive linguistics. Since ICM is to solve the hierarchical problem in prototype category theory, many linguists think that the discussion of ICM should be confined to prototype theory only. However, we find that: (1)"Propositional ICM"has objective features; (2) ICM is hierarchical on the one hand and linear on the other hand; (3) an ICM is the common feature of a category, while it is still set up by adding unique differences of each CM together based on family resemblance. Based on above findings, the conclusion is: although ICM mainly stems from prototype theory, it contains some features of classical category to some extent; ICM can be traced back to the first generation of cognitive linguistics based on classical category; and the construction of ICM is not self-consistent.Most cognitive linguists air their views on non-objectivism, mental hierarchy, and prototype effects of ICM, but they fail to compare the relation between subjective hierarchies of ICM with objective hierarchy of Classical Category; and to trace objectivism in Propositional ICMs back to the framework of classical theory. In a word, we try to explore the contradictions of ICM.