Chapter 12 - Reasoning by Analogy and Other Forms of Reasoning

Chapter 12 deals with ‘Reasoning by Analogy’ and the various guidelines used in evaluating the strength of the analogy and determining whether it’s a good argument. We find that this category of concept writing is utilized as a motive for drawing a correlation between two legal cases to show a justification or find reasoning for our actions or beliefs. The analogies themselves do not complete the argument, but form a premise foundation for the conclusion. Ultimately, a good analogy argument draws a valid similarity between both sides; it does not show differences. An example of analogy is: Studying is like working out; both take discipline and time, motivation, but the results are a proof of effort. There are various types of reasoning arguments that use specific types of structure. Reasoning by sign, shows the relationship between two or more things; omitting the presence of one, omits the other. Only two things are guaranteed in your lifetime, birth and death. Cause and Effect reasoning, an argument that provides an event or ‘cause’ to show the relationship of another event or ‘effect’. Smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer; if not to the smoker directly then possibly to a child through second hand smoke.  Reasoning by example, an argument that uses an example to persuade or convince. Women should have a mammogram once a year. My friend is a breast cancer survivor because of early detection via a routine breast exam. Reasoning by criteria, is reasoning that compares against established criteria. The medical program has a strict set of guidelines that an applicant must meet before be accepted. Does this applicant have the proper certification? What is their education level?  Inductive reasoning: In the winter birds fly south to warmer weather. The weather is turning colder, so the birds will soon be migrating south. Deductive reasoning:  All dogs have fur. Sparky is a dog. Sparky has fur. (Not true, because Sparky is a Mexican hairless dog).