WHAT IS AN ANALOG ARGUMENT? 40 EXAMPLES - LITERATURE - 2025

An analogical argument, by analogy or comparative argument is a type of inductive argumentation in which perceived similutes are used to explain other similarities that have not yet been observed.

Not all analogies are arguments, however, they are usually used to illustrate a belief within a speech. The analogical argument is built on the premise that all the elements compared have something in common.

Examples of analog arguments

This does not mean that it can cover all the elements, but it can establish similarities between some properties of them.

For this reason, analog arguments are also called comparative arguments, since they use the reasoning of previous or similar situations of relative validity to make comparisons between elements that share one or more characteristics.

This is how all analog arguments have the same structure, they speak of the same property or properties of one or more elements.

Its truth or falsehood can be appealed since its validity is always relative and will depend on the logic of those who establish and evaluate it.

Structure of the analog argument

Analog arguments have the following structure:

Two or more individuals share the same properties a and b. Most of these individuals also share properties c and d. Therefore, the minority of these individuals must also share the properties c and d.

This structure in context can be illustrated as follows:

Juan, Andrés, Pablo and Javier are all designers. Juan, Andrés and Pablo have tattoos all over their bodies. So since Javier is also a designer, he probably has tattoos all over his body as well.

Examples of the analog or comparative argument

1 - Andrés built his house without problems, therefore, it is likely that he can build any house without problems.

2 - All the women in the family like to live in the city, that's why my cousin Diana likes to live in the city.

3 - I played soccer at school, therefore, in my 30s, I can play soccer professionally.

4 - All my friends liked the movie, so I'm going to like it too.

5 - He was a bullfighter of small cows in his adolescence, therefore, in his adulthood he can fight bulls.

6 - All Colombians dance salsa. If Juliana is Colombian, she must know how to dance salsa.

7 - Bob Marley was an excellent musician, his children must be equally good.

8 - I am very good with mathematics, therefore, I must be very good with physics.

9 - I have helped my mother so many times with the kitchen that now I will be able to cook too.

10 - All my friends bought that car and loved it, so if I buy it, I'm going to love it too.

11 - If Juan, who knows nothing about music, became a successful singer, I who do know about music, I can also be a successful singer.

12 - Ana did not want to have children and now she is an excellent mother. Therefore, Daniela, who does want to have children, will be an excellent mother.

13 - Juan helped the architect with the plans of his house, therefore, Juan already knows how to make plans.

14 - Andrés likes all the Foo Fighters albums, that means he is going to like the album they released last week.

15 - When they were in school writing a short story, so now I can become a writer.

16 - All my friends have married at 27 years old, therefore, when I turn 27 I will also get married.

17 - When I was a child I saw how my father grew flowers, so when I grow up I will be able to grow flowers.

18 - Jaime disassembled a mechanical watch, he can disassemble anything.

19 - Daniela went to Brazil alone, she can travel anywhere in the world.

20 - If Paula and Andrés got a discount how much they bargained, if I haggle, they will also give me a discount.

21 - If André spent 5 minutes on his car and it turned out well, surely, if I spend 20 minutes on it, it will look better.

22 - Patricia went to the party sleepy and had a good time. Antonia, who is not sleepy, will have a better time than Patricia.

23 - I saw my dog's nails cut, so I can do it too.

24 - As Jaime gave his dog an injection, surely he can also give it to people.

25 - If Tatiana, who never studied journalism, can write, I who am a journalist can do much better.

26 - As I sing in the shower, I can sing anywhere.

27 - I once drove a car with three other people in it, therefore, I will be able to drive a passenger bus.

28 - As she knows how to cook Colombian food, she will have no problems preparing Argentine dishes.

29 - He was a teacher of children, so he will do well with adults.

30 - I sold lemonade during the summer, so I can sell shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

31 - If she went up to Machu Picchu carrying 30 kilos, I will be able to go up without problem because I am not carrying anything.

32 - If a German learned Spanish in three months, then a Spaniard can learn German in the same time.

33 - If Sara at 30 years old lost 15 kilos in a week, Daniela, who is younger, should lose the same weight in less time.

34 - When I was a child, I saw my father repair the car, so in adulthood I can be a mechanic.

35 - As I prepared that cake, now I can start my own pastry.

36 - I helped the doctor to suture a patient, so I can now suture.

37 - If my mother could prepare a dinner for 20 people in one hour, I can prepare one for 40 people in two hours.

38 - Hugo helped his dad pack the suitcase, therefore, Hugo already knows everything you need to travel.

39 - Yes Andrea, who has no work experience, was able to find a job in Buenos Aires. Mariana who has been working for 10 years will also find work.

40 - I saw how they gave the baby a bottle, that's why I can now give him a bottle.

Themes of interest

Probabilistic argument.

Inductive argument.

Deductive argument.

Conductive argument.

Argument from authority.

Abductive argument.

References

1. Kemerling, G. (2011). Philosophy Pages. Retrieved from Analogy: philosophypages.com
2. Lau, J., & Chan, J. (2017). Retrieved from Analogical Arguments: philosophy.hku.hk.
3. Philosophy, SE (June 25, 2013). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from Analogy and Analogical Reasoning: plato.stanford.edu.
4. RESOURCES, R. (2017). REASONING RESOURCES. Retrieved from Analogical Argument: reasonresources.wordpress.com.
5. Young, MC (2010). Mad Wizard. Retrieved from Analogies, and Analogy Arguments: madwizard.com.