Module 5: Analogical Reasoning
Analogical Reasoning Overview
Analogies involve highlighting perceived similarities between two things as grounds for transferring further attributes or meanings from one to the other.
This type of reasoning is used commonly in various settings – philosophy, politics, and advertising, to name just a few – where an attempt is being made to convince others to believe a claim. Analogical reasoning is also the core practice in making legal decisions; cases that have already been decided influence the outcome of new cases with similar characteristics.
Learning Objectives
After successful completion of Module 5, you will be able to:
- Apply the standard pattern for arguments from analogy to ordinary-language arguments.
- Apply the criteria for strength and weakness of reasoning to an analogical argument.
- Identify the use of analogy in arguments that refute an opponent’s position.
- Identify the primary analogical mechanisms that support legal decisions.
Module 5 Roadmap
- Section 5.1: We start by identifying a general pattern, or form, that all arguments from analogy follow and learn how to show that particular arguments fit the pattern.
- Section 5.2: Next we look at how analogical arguments are evaluated, and we identify six criteria that govern our judgments about the relative strength of these arguments.
- Section 5.3: Then we explore how analogies are useful in refuting arguments made by others.
- Section 5.4: Finally we take a specific but brief look at the use of analogical reasoning in legal arguments.
Key Terms
- analogue
- precedent
- refutation by analogy
Definitions for these terms are available in the course Glossary.
Candela Citations
CC licensed content, Shared previously
- Retrieved from: https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/fundamental-methods-of-logic. License: CC BY: Attribution
