Pleromatization, phyisiognomization and metaphoricity: a theoretical articulation of sense making processes of Valsiner, Werner and McNeill

Abstract

This paper aims to develop a theoretical articulation of the different sense-making processes in human experience developed by Valsiner, Werner and McNeill. To this purpose, the mechanism of meaning-making - Pleromatization and schematization - developed by Valsiner; physiognomization in the perception of world developed by Werner; and the concept of metaphoricity as gestural representation of a mental construct developed by McNeill, are reviewed. In conclusion, a relationship between pleromatization, physiognomization and metaphoricity as phenomena - holistic, whole, organismic - that are integrated into the perception and construction of human experience, is established. On the other hand, a direct relationship between schematization, geometrical-technical perception and iconicity as another dimension - objectified, particularistic and cognitive - of making sense in human experience, is established.