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The Reasoning Journal

Chapter · The idea

Analogical reasoning

Analogical reasoning(Comparison reasoning)

Definition

Analogical reasoning concludes that two things probably share a further property because they are alike in relevant, known ways. Its strength depends on whether the similarities actually matter to the conclusion — and on whether any difference breaks the comparison.

Memory hook

Alike here, so probably alike there.

What it sounds like

  • It's just like…
  • By the same logic…
  • If it worked there, it should work here.