Chapter 12

When analyzing reasoning by analogy there are a couple different parts of the argument that we have to look at.  According to the text, reasoning by analogy starts with a comparison that is part of the argument.  We judge this comparison to the strength and value of the rest of the argument when using this type of reasoning.  Both sides of the comparison are tested in this argument and should come to the same conclusion.  Analogies can be viewed in the same terms as premises, the conclusion of the argument relies on the value of the premises / analogies.  If we do not believe the premises or analogies to be true or valid, then we can disregard them in the argument.  If one side of the analogy is not valid, then we have nothing to judge the other side to.  Therefore it is necessary that both sides of analogies are clear, true, and similar.  To be similar is very important for analogies because it keeps the argument clear.  Understanding how the law uses analogies is very important as many are used in law making today.  New laws are created or judged by analogies of past laws.