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The '''fallacy of analogy''' is a [[logical fallacy]] that argues that because one thing resembles another in some aspects, they must resemble each other another aspect. In general, an argument by analogy takes the following form:

The '''fallacy of analogy''' is a [[logical fallacy]] that argues that because one thing resembles another in some aspects, they must resemble each other another aspect. In general, an argument by analogy takes the following form:<br />

The strength of such an argument depends upon the strength of the analogy; it may actually be the case that '''A''' is not much like '''B''' at all. If '''A''' and '''B''' have more differences than shared properties, the argument is weakened. It may also be true that '''A''' is like '''B''' in many ways, but still differs from '''B''' in terms of the specific property '''Q'''.  If the analogy is too weak or irrelevant to the conclusion that is drawn, then a fallacy of weak analogy has been committed. An analogy itself is never true or false; it is only weak or strong. Consider the following examples:

'''A''' is like '''B''' (they share properties '''X''','''Y''', and '''Z''').<br />

Here, the analogy between tomatoes and apples is weak; they may have similar size and color, but these similarities are superficial and there are many more ways in which they differ. Therefore the conclusion is not supported.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, the analogy between tomatoes and apples is weak; they may have similar size and color, but these similarities are superficial and there are many more ways in which they differ. Therefore the conclusion is not well supported.<br />

 

 

 

 

In this example, Mike and Chris may be virtually identical in almost all ways, and yet these similarities are not relevant to whether they are two brothers or brother and sister.

In this example, Mike and Chris may be virtually identical in almost all ways, and yet these similarities are not relevant to whether they are two brothers or brother and sister.