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9.1 An analogical argument draws a conclusion based upon…
9.1
An analogical argument draws a conclusion based upon comparison of similar particular instances. These arguments begin by recognizing that one entity shares some number of attributes with another entity. The argument then infers that the first entity is therefore likely to also share some additional attribute that can be presumed to have a relevant relationship to the other shared attributes. Thus, simple analogical arguments have the following basic structure:Analogical Argument Structure
Entities A, B, and C each have attributes x, y, z, and r.
Entity D also has attributes x, y, and z.
Therefore, entity D probably has attribute r as well.
In such arguments, if attributes x, y, and z are sufficiently relevant to attribute r, then the inference is usually a strong one. However, if the existence of attributes x, y, and z is unlikely to be relevant to the existence of attribute r, then the argument is usually weak. If an argument’s conclusion does not rely upon this type of comparison between at least two similar particular instances, then it is not an analogical argument.Consider the following argumentative passages. For each, determine whether the passage is an analogical argument.Passage ABob is playing much better than Bill right now. Therefore, the team should bench Bill and let Bob be the starting quarterback.
* answer options for passage A-D are is not or is.
Passage A an analogical argument.
Passage B Alleraway Brand allergy medicine does an excellent job of treating my allergy symptoms, but this generic brand is much less expensive. With prices going up for everything else, from food to gasoline, I really need to start saving money whenever possible. Therefore, I should buy this generic brand of allergy medicine.
Passage B an analogical argument.
Passage C Susan’s favorite foods include strawberries, ice cream, pizza, duck, brussels sprouts, and onion rings. I love all of these foods, too! So, since Susan likes sushi, I ought to like sushi as well.
Passage C an analogical argument.
Passage D Alleraway Brand allergy medicine does an excellent job of treating my allergy symptoms. And not only is this generic brand of allergy medicine less expensive, but it contains exactly the same ingredients as Alleraway! “So I’m sure the generic brand will do fine job of treating my allergy symptoms”.
Passage D an analogical argument.
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2. Identifying Analogues
In an analogical argument, the entities that are compared are called analogues. The set of entities from which similar attributes are drawn are called primary analogues. The entity about which the analogical argument infers some attribute (that is, the subject of the conclusion statement) is called the secondary analogue. Accordingly, recall the basic structure for an argument from analogy:
Analogical Argument Structure
Entities A, B, and C each have attributes x, y, z, and r.
Entity D also has attributes x, y, and z.
Therefore, entity D probably has attribute r as well.
The primary analogues in this structure are entities A, B, and C (from which the similarities x, y, z, and r are drawn). The secondary analogue would be entity D (about which you infer the likelihood of its having attribute r).
Consider the following argumentative passages. Each is an analogical argument. Use your understanding of analogical arguments and the concept of analogues to answer the questions that follow.
Passage A
Joe’s last three ex-girlfriendsWendy, Rosie, and Pollyall had red hair and green eyes, were stunningly beautiful, and had PhDs in organic chemistry. Since his relationships with all of those women were failures, Joe’s recent marriage is sure to fail, too. After all, his new wife is also a stunningly beautiful redhead with green eyes, and she is a professor of organic chemistry at the University.
Which of the following entities function as an analogue in Passage A? Check all that apply.
Stunning beauty
Rosie
Joe’s new wife
Wendy
Red hair
Polly
PhD in organic chemistry
Passage B
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia are the five most populous cities in the United States. In each case, several tall buildings can be found in their city centers. The tallest buildings in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston are all more than 1,000 feet tall. Therefore, Philadelphia must also have buildings that are more than 1,000 feet tall.
Which of the following entities, if any, function as primary analogues in Passage B? Check all that apply.
Tall buildings in the city center
Los Angeles
Buildings more than 1,000 feet tall
Chicago
Houston
Philadelphia
Passage C
Becky, Joanne, and Leticia all won individual state championships as members of their high school tennis teams and, consequently, they received several scholarship offers to play tennis in college. In high school, Becky, Joanne, and Leticia were also heavily involved in community service activities and maintained a 4.0 grade point average while taking very difficult classes. Since Stella took the same classes as Becky, Joanne, and Leticia, and also maintained a high grade point average, participated in similar community service activities, and played on the tennis team, she should also be able to get a college scholarship to play tennis.
Community service activities serves in Passage C.
