Image Schemas

Image schemas are fundamental mental patterns or structures derived from our bodily experiences and interactions with the environment. They serve as foundational building blocks for understanding concepts, language, and reasoning—like the notions of "container," "balance," or "up and down." For example, our experience of holding something in our hands forms a "container" schema that helps us grasp related ideas. These schemas are intuitive, shape our perceptions, and influence how we interpret abstract thoughts, making complex concepts more relatable by linking them to our physical experiences.