Tuesday, August 9, 2011

How To Use Analogy Correctly

By Joe Smith


An analogy is a way of comparing or explaining the comparable functions of two issues, which are otherwise different. In essence, an analogy points out the like functions of some thing in hopes of highlighting much more shared characteristics and creating a point. In that sense, an analogy is often used to make a logical argument. The analogy definition shows a literary method that's utilized not to contrast two items or issues, but rather as an explanatory device that highlights similarities or like characteristics for the purposes of creating a connection in an argument. The two issues becoming utilized in an analogy should both be shown to have the same properties.

When speaking of an analogy definition, it's easier to explain an analogy by initially talking about what an analogy isn't. For example, there's such a factor as a false analogy. A false analogy makes a comparison, or seeks to draw a connection, between two issues which are too different. In other words, a false analogy draws a conclusion to its argument from unsupported evidence from two extremely various things. When an analogy is false, broad assumptions are created when searching for similarities between two very different issues, consequently leading the argument to draw its conclusion from evidence that's not supported by the two issues being compared.

An example of an analogy that is false might be stated like this: Airplanes have wings and are good modes of flying transportation for people. Birds also have wings and fly, so therefore, birds should also be great modes of transportation for individuals. This analogy is false because it assumes that 1 similar property between two different things automatically denotes an analogous connection. Just because both birds and airplanes have wings, does not necessarily mean that individuals use both of them as an indication of transportation.

There's also such a thing as a faulty analogy. An analogy that is faulty is comparable to an analogy that is false in the sense that it proposes similarities between two things, whilst also disregarding important differences. An analogy that is faulty doesn't necessarily imply inaccuracy of a claim, but just points out the lack of a connection or existence of parallels in a comparison. An analogy that is faulty or false assumes that because two things are alike in 1 aspect, they should be alike in other aspects which are unknown.

An example of a faulty analogy could be the following: Orange Juice is really a liquid and is tasty to drink. Gasoline is also a liquid and also must be tasty to drink. This analogy is faulty and identifies the 1 similar property of both orange juice and gasoline as being a liquid, after which assumes that because they're both liquids, they both should be tasty to drink. It is a faulty analogy in that sense.

So, it is best to keep in mind that an analogy relies on highlighting the similar characteristics of two issues in hopes of explaining an argument. An analogy doesn't seek to prove some thing accurate or false, but rather hopes to clarify discrepancies through the use of an example.




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