Reasoning by analogy is the main topic of Chapter 12, by Richard Epstein in Critical Thinking. A comparison becomes reasoning by analogy when it is part of an argument. On one side of the comparison we draw a conclusion, so on the other side we should conclude the same. To best illustrate this concept, I will use an example...
- Women can vote. Women can run for presidency. Therefore, women should be able to attain high powers in a Church.
Reasoning by analogy starts with a comparison, but not every comparison is an argument. To add on to this topic, there are seven ways to evaluate an analogy, which you will ask yourself these seven questions...
1. Is this an argument? What is the conclusion?
2. What is the comparison?
3. What are the premises? (one or both sides of the comparison)
4. What are the similarities?
5. Can we state the similarities as premises and find a general principle that covers the two sides?
6. Does the general principle really apply to both sides? Do the differences matter?
7. is the argument strong or valid? is it good?
what is up kalem!
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed reading your blog for this week's blog. you are right about the reasoning by analogy, it is always a part of an argument. it always presented itself with one side with the follow up that we can draw our selves to the conclusion that we can predicted to the same conclusion. when you presented the example about women rights on how they are freed from making any decisions to their liking, it has proven that it always started with a comparison for the reasoning of analogy. it was a great argument that you tried to explain about reasoning of analogy with the seven questions that you have provided for us to understand. keep up the good work and hope you will have a good weekend. peace out kalem.