PHIL 1200 Lecture 10: PHIL 1200 BYY
19 Jun 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Arguments from Analogy
Analogy: comparison between two or more different things by identifying similar features they
both possess
The things being compared: the analogues
Analogies: sometimes used in arguments
Initial scheme for arguments from analogy:
P1: X is p, q and r
P2: Y is p, q and r
C: Y is z
Analogues must have enough relevant features in common
Contexts where you’re particularly likely to find arguments from analogy: medical research, legal
reasoning
Full scheme for arguments for analogy:
P1: X, W, R, S are p, q, and r
P2: Y is p, q, and r
HP: p, q and r are the properties relevant to z
C: Y is z
Disanalogy: Attempts to show that two purported analogues are not analogous. This is done by showing
that they do not share necessary similarities or that there are relevant differences that distinguish them.
A good counter argument to analogy shows that one or more criteria for a strong argument by analogy
cannot be satisfied.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Analogy: comparison between two or more different things by identifying similar features they both possess. Analogues must have enough relevant features in common. Contexts where you"re particularly likely to find arguments from analogy: medical research, legal reasoning. P1: x, w, r, s are p, q, and r. Hp: p, q and r are the properties relevant to z. Disanalogy: attempts to show that two purported analogues are not analogous. This is done by showing that they do not share necessary similarities or that there are relevant differences that distinguish them. A good counter argument to analogy shows that one or more criteria for a strong argument by analogy cannot be satisfied. If an analogous case was treated one way in the past, we must treat it in a similar way from then on. Often future-oriented: whether we ought to set a precedent. Hp: p, q, r are the properties relevant to the moral and legal assessment of x and y.
