Skip to main content

Reasoning by Analogy

Using Analogies

We all use analogies to explain the concepts we want to impart, to convince, to help understand, and to reduce to a simpler more physical and familiar level of understanding.  Analogies have been used over the great span of time, even in Plato’s Phaedo, where the philosopher’s soul of reason should not do and redo arguments as with Penelope’s rug2. (Plato, Phaedo)

Research says indicates that using analogies assists in concept development. This is something we’ve all suspected. It is interesting to note that it is somewhat established in the literature1.   To be effective, analogies must be familiar, and their features must be synchronous with those of the target.

Reasoning by analogy indicates the target concept is like something else.  You can argue it, but it is still only an analogy and may prove nothing at all.  The real problem is that the analogy may be false, and worse still is that your audience may interpret your intended concept through the analogy, which may be off the mark and function more as a misdirection than a learning tool.  Thus the concept is understood only through a simple or single facet of what is intended, not approaching anywhere near the true idea. This could be intended. 

We seek to bring a concept into the sphere of one’s understandings.  But it is important to clarify how the analogy and target differ to avoid confusion or misconceptions.  It is also important to clarify how the analogy differs from the actual concept lest oversimplification results.  

This is the point.  The analogy is often an oversimplification of the concept, and through it the listener often experiences a misconception of the idea or concept that is intended.  

Beware of analogies. They can be distracting,  distracting, diverting, divisive, disrespectful, demonizing, and deceiving, not to mention misleading and misdirecting.
Simple examples:  See http://examples.yourdictionary.com/analogy-ex.html

It is remarkable how many ideas and concepts in religious and philosophical works are based upon analogy.  If any two subjects are defined by analogy, these are the two.

Comments

  1. You make good points about the usefulness of analogies and the fact that limitations and differences must be included to prevent misconceptions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't emphasize, but do now, that in most cases analogies are used to help the scaffolding of understanding.

      Perhaps in politics they are designed to strictly mislead and misdirect. I guess this is what demagoguery is part and parcel to. Doesn't matter the partisanship.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Please Comment.

Popular posts from this blog

UNCERTAINTY IS CERTAIN

  Uncertainty is Certain G. Donald Allen 12/12/2024 1.       Introduction . This short essay is about uncertainty in people from both secular and nonsecular viewpoints. One point that will emerge is that randomly based uncertainty can be a driver for religious structure. Many groups facing uncertainty about their future are deeply religious or rely on faith as a source of comfort, resilience, and guidance. The intersection of uncertainty and religiosity often stems from the human need to find meaning, hope, and stability in the face of unpredictable or challenging circumstances. We first take up the connections of uncertainty to religion for the first real profession, farming, noting that hunting has many similar uncertainties. Below are groups that commonly lean on religious beliefs amidst uncertainty.   This short essay is a follow-up to a previous piece on certainty (https://used-ideas.blogspot.com/2024/12/certainty-is-also-emotion.html). U...

CERTAINTY IS ALSO AN EMOTION

  Certainty is also a Feeling Certainty is often viewed as a mental state tied to knowledge and confidence, but it also functions as a feeling with distinct emotional and physiological components. While it arises from cognitive processes, certainty also has a subjective and emotional quality that makes it more than just a rational judgment. It provides a sense of assurance and security that shapes human experience in profound ways. Emotional Dimension . At its core, certainty evokes emotions that influence how we perceive and interact with the world. When someone feels certain, they often experience relief, comfort, or empowerment. These emotions are particularly strong when uncertainty or doubt is resolved, offering a sense of closure. For example, solving a complex problem or having a belief validated by evidence brings not just intellectual satisfaction but also emotional reassurance. Subjectivity. Certainty is inherently personal and subjective. It depends on individual...

Lies, Deceit, and the National Agenda

The world you grew up in is no more.  The world of reasonable honesty and reasonable lies has been replaced by abject dishonesty and blatant lies. Lies.  Yes. People have always told them.  You have told them; so have I.   We need lies; they are a foundational structure of social living.  They both deceive and protect.  Children tell them to their parents to avoid consequences, like punishment.  Adults tell them to their bosses, to enhance their position and/or avoid consequences of poor performance.  Our bosses tell them to their boards to suggest business is good, the project is on target, or the detractors are wrong.  The boards tell them to shareholders to protect their own credibility and most importantly, stock values.   Our politicians tell lies to their constituents, though sometimes innocently with them not actually knowing much more than they've been told.  They enhance their positio...