By Parallel Reasoning: The Construction and Evaluation of Analogical Arguments
Paul Bartha
Abstract
This book proposes a theory of analogical arguments, with special focus on analogies in mathematics and science. The core principle of the theory is that a good analogical argument must articulate a clear relationship capable of generalization. This idea leads to a set of distinct models for the critical analysis of prominent forms of analogical argument, corresponding to different logical, causal and probabilistic relationships that occur in scientific reasoning. The same principle allows us to relate analogical reasoning to broad norms and values of scientific practice, such as symmetry and ... More
This book proposes a theory of analogical arguments, with special focus on analogies in mathematics and science. The core principle of the theory is that a good analogical argument must articulate a clear relationship capable of generalization. This idea leads to a set of distinct models for the critical analysis of prominent forms of analogical argument, corresponding to different logical, causal and probabilistic relationships that occur in scientific reasoning. The same principle allows us to relate analogical reasoning to broad norms and values of scientific practice, such as symmetry and unification. Elaborating this principle, the book raises questions and proposes answers regarding (1) criteria for evaluating analogical arguments, (2) the philosophical justification for analogical reasoning, and (3) the place of scientific analogies in the context of theoretical confirmation.
Keywords:
analogy,
analogical reasoning,
analogical arguments,
confirmation,
probability,
causation,
symmetry,
unification
Bibliographic Information
Print publication date: 2010 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780195325539 |
Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: May 2010 |
DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325539.001.0001 |