An analogy is a way of comparing or explaining the similar functions of two things, which are otherwise dissimilar. In truth, an analogy points out the like functions of some thing in hopes of highlighting much more shared characteristics and making a point. In that sense, an analogy is often utilized to make a logical argument. The analogy definition shows a literary technique that’s utilized not to contrast two items or issues, but instead as an explanatory device that highlights similarities or like characteristics for the purposes of creating a connection in an argument. The two issues becoming utilized in an analogy should both be shown to have the exact same properties.

When speaking of an analogy definition, it’s simpler to explain an analogy by first talking about what an analogy is not. For instance, there is such a thing as a false analogy. A false analogy makes a comparison, or seeks to draw a connection, between two issues which are too various. In other words, a false analogy draws a conclusion to its argument from unsupported evidence from two extremely various things. When an analogy is false, broad assumptions are created when looking for similarities between two very dissimilar things, therefore leading the argument to draw its conclusion from evidence that is not supported by the two issues becoming compared.

An example of an analogy that’s false might be stated like this: Airplanes have wings and are good modes of flying transportation for individuals. Birds also have wings and fly, so consequently, birds must also be great modes of transportation for individuals. This analogy is false simply because it assumes that 1 similar property between two different things automatically denotes an analogous connection. Just because both airplanes and birds have wings, does not indicate that individuals use both of them for transportation.

There is also such a factor as a faulty analogy. An analogy that is faulty is comparable to an analogy that’s false in the sense that it proposes similarities between two things, while also disregarding essential differences. An analogy that is faulty doesn’t necessarily imply inaccuracy of a claim, but just points out the lack of a connection or existence of parallels in a comparison. An analogy that’s faulty or false assumes that because two issues are alike in one aspect, they must be alike in other aspects that are unknown.

An example of a faulty analogy might be the following: Orange Juice is really a liquid and is tasty to drink. Gasoline is also a liquid and also must be tasty to drink. This analogy is faulty and identifies the one similar property of both orange juice and gasoline as becoming a liquid, after which assumes that simply because they are both liquids, they both should be tasty to drink. It is a faulty analogy in that sense.

So, it’s best to keep in mind that an analogy relies on highlighting the comparable characteristics of two issues in hopes of explaining an argument. An analogy doesn’t seek to prove some thing true or false, but rather hopes to clarify discrepancies via the use of an example.

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