10 Questions
What is the primary form of an argument from analogy?
Objects of type X have properties A, B, C, etc. and Objects of type Y have properties A, B, C, etc.
What determines the inductive correctness of an argument from analogy?
The relevance of the similarities and dissimilarities between the objects being compared
What is the primary characteristic of a strong argument from analogy?
Few dissimilarities between the objects being compared
What is the purpose of evaluating an argument from analogy?
To determine its inductive correctness
What is the role of relevant dissimilarities in an argument from analogy?
They weaken the analogy
What is the primary difference between an argument from analogy and a deductive argument?
The level of certainty in the conclusion
What is the primary challenge in constructing a counter-example to an argument from analogy?
Finding a similar object with different properties
What is the primary advantage of using an argument from analogy in reasoning?
It allows for the transfer of knowledge from one domain to another
What is the primary limitation of an argument from analogy?
It can be influenced by biases and assumptions
What is the primary role of premises in an argument from analogy?
To highlight the similarities and dissimilarities
Study Notes
Valid and Invalid Arguments
- It is possible to have valid arguments with false premises and conclusions.
- It is possible to have valid arguments with false premises and true conclusions.
- It is not possible to have valid arguments with true premises and false conclusions.
- It is possible to have valid arguments with true premises and conclusions.
- All combinations of truth and falsity of premises and conclusions can occur in invalid arguments.
The Method of Counterexample
- The method of counterexample is used to prove the invalidity of an argument form.
- An argument form is valid if and only if all of its substitution instances are valid (deductively correct) arguments.
- An argument form is valid if and only if all arguments with this form are deductively correct arguments.
Inductively Correct Arguments
- Inductively correct arguments are sensitive to new data (i.e., new premises).
- There are different types of inductively correct arguments, including:
- Induction by enumeration
- Statistical syllogism
- Arguments from authority
- Arguments from analogy
Induction by Enumeration
- An induction by enumeration argument has the form: "Z% of the observed members of F are G."
- This type of argument is used to make a general claim about a population based on a sample of observed members.
Argument from Analogy
- An argument from analogy has the form: "Objects of type X have properties A, B, C, etc. / Objects of type Y have properties A, B, C, etc. / Objects of type X have property F. ∴ Objects of type Y have property F."
- The crucial question for analogical arguments is whether the objects being compared are similar in ways that are relevant to the argument.
- To determine the strength of an argument from analogy, consider the relevant similarities and dissimilarities between the objects being compared.
- Examples of arguments from analogy include:
- Rats and humans are physiologically similar, so if rats eating a lot of sausage and ham increases the risk of cancer, it may also increase the risk of cancer in humans.
- Restaurant A and restaurant B are similar in relevant respects, so if Restaurant A is likely to be good, Restaurant B may also be good.
Test your understanding of valid and invalid arguments in critical thinking and reasoning. Identify the possibilities of different argument scenarios in this APSS 2200 lecture quiz.
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