Comprehension Questions

a. What are analogues? Use the SEEC method from chapter 2 to develop your answer.

b. What is the form of an argument by analogy?

c. Using the concepts of a necessary and sufficient condition, explain why an argument by analogy that fits the form is valid.

d. Under what conditions is it logically acceptable for the property mentioned in the conclusion of an argument by analogy not to be the same as the property mentioned in the premises?

e. When is an analogical claim true or acceptable? Use the SEEC method from chapter 2 to develop your answer.

f. What is the mistake of a false analogy and why is it a mistake? Use an example.

g. Are the premises in an argument by analogy dependent? Use an example.

We have seen that analogues might be alike in respects that are relevant to one feature, but not alike in respects relevant to another feature. For each pair, find one feature with respect to which they are alike in all relevant respects and one feature with respect to which they are unalike in some relevant respect.

a. A hockey game; a game of chess      b. A garden; an economy      c. A human; a mouse       d. A car; the solar system          e. A watch; the universe               f. A toy train; a real train      g. An electron; a planet      h. Beef; tofu       i. Loneliness; love         j. Juliette; the Sun