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.
Labels:

Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 6, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    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. Used IdeasJuly 6, 2012 at 12:05 PM

      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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where is AI (Artificial Intelligence) Going?

  How to view Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Imagine you go to the store to buy a TV, but all they have are 1950s models, black and white, circular screens, picture rolls, and picture imperfect, no remote. You’d say no thanks. Back in the day, they sold wildly. The TV was a must-have for everyone with $250 to spend* (about $3000 today). Compared to where AI is today, this is more or less where TVs were 70 years ago. In only a few decades AI will be advanced beyond comprehension, just like TVs today are from the 50s viewpoint. Just like we could not imagine where the video concept was going back then, we cannot really imagine where AI is going. Buckle up. But it will be spectacular.    *Back then minimum wage was $0.75/hr. Thus, a TV cost more than eight weeks' wages. ------------------------- 
Post a Comment
Read more

Principles of Insufficiency and Sufficiency

   The principles we use but don't know it.  1.      Introduction . Every field, scientific or otherwise, rests on foundational principles—think buoyancy, behavior, or democracy. Here, we explore a unique subset: principles modified by "insufficiency" and "sufficiency." While you may never have heard of them, you use them often. These terms frame principles that blend theory, practicality, and aspiration, by offering distinct perspectives. Insufficiency often implies inaction unless justified, while sufficiency suggests something exists or must be done. We’ll examine key examples and introduce a new principle with potential significance. As a principle of principles of these is that something or some action is not done enough while others may be done too much. The first six (§2-6) of our principles are in the literature, and you can easily search them online. The others are relatively new, but fit the concepts in the real world. At times, these pri...
Post a Comment
Read more