False analogy
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False analogy is a fallacy applying to inductive arguments. It is often mistakenly considered to be a formal fallacy, but it is not, because a false analogy consists of an error in the substance of an argument (the content of the analogy itself), not an error in the logical structure of the argument. Thus, it is an informal fallacy, not a formal fallacy..
In an analogy, two concepts, objects, or events proposed to be similar in nature (A and B) are shown to have some common relationship with another property. The premise is that A has property X, and thus B must also have property X (due to the assumed similarity of A and B). In false analogies, though A and B may be similar in one respect (such as color) they may not both share property X (e.g. size). Thus, even if bananas and the sun appear yellow, one could not conclude that they are the same size. Many languages have culturally idiosyncratic idioms for invalid analogies or comparisons; for example, such false analogies are likened to "comparing grandmothers and frogs" in Serbian and to "comparing apples and oranges" in English.
[edit] Examples
- In the field of international relations theory, the fallacy known as the 'domestic analogy' is committed when relationships between political communities (nations) are treated as analogous to relations within political communities (between individuals), such that familiar morals and remedies for interpersonal issues are projected onto foreign policy narratives. To the extent that relationships are different at the local and international level, such analogies are invalid (Hidemi Suganami, The Domestic Analogy and World Order Proposals, CUP, 1989).
- Another example is the following:
- The universe is like an intricate watch.
- A watch must have been designed by a watchmaker.
- Therefore, the universe must have been designed by some kind of creator.[1]
- While the universe may be like a watch in that it is intricate, this does not in itself justify the assumption that watches and the universe have similar origins. For this reason, most scientists and philosophers do not accept the analogy, known as the argument from design, with this one specifically known as The Watchmaker Analogy.
- By changing a term, the fallacy becomes apparent:
- The universe is like an intricate watch.
- A watch occasionally needs repair.
- Therefore, the universe occasionally needs repair.
- The structure of the argument is exactly the same, but we can see that the conclusion does not follow from the two premises.
[edit] References
- ^ Life-How did it get here? By evolution or by creation? New York: International Bible Students Association, 1985.
[edit] External links
- Examples of False Analogies @ Humbug! Online.
