Question 1

Arguments by analogy are most susceptible to being charged with committing which two fallacies?

Accepted Answer

Arguments by analogy involve comparing two things that are similar in some way and then inferring that they are similar in other ways as well. However, this can lead to hasty generalizations if the analogy is not strong enough or if the two things being compared are not actually similar in the relevant ways. Additionally, arguments by analogy can be subject to the fallacy of accident, where an irrelevant characteristic of one of the things being compared is used to draw a conclusion about the other thing.

Question 2

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Since President Abraham Lincoln became more popular after his death, President John F.Kennedy probably became more popular after his death as well.

Accepted Answer

The intended connecting term in this analogy is that both Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy were assassinated, which led to an increase in their popularity after their deaths. Option B is the best choice as it links the two Presidents based on a shared characteristic that is relevant to the argument being made. Options A, C, D, and E are not relevant to the argument being made and do not provide a logical connection between the two Presidents.

Question 3

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? Because Memorial Day, like Veterans Day, is dedicated to soldiers, it is appropriate to fly a flag on Veterans Day.

Accepted Answer

The inductive generalization made in the argument is that it is appropriate to fly a flag on all holidays dedicated to soldiers, based on the analogy between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, both of which honor soldiers.

Question 4

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Since coffee keeps me awake, black tea will keep me awake.

Accepted Answer

The intended connecting term would be caffeine, as both coffee and black tea contain this substance and it is known to have a stimulating effect on the brain, keeping one awake.

Question 5

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between Southern Texas and Florida would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Southern Texas is similar to Florida.
I had to use sunscreen to avoid a sunbum in Southern Texas. 
I will need to use sunscreen to avoid a sunburn in Florida.

Accepted Answer

The similarity in latitude between Southern Texas and Florida would most help to confirm the strength of the argument because it suggests similar sun exposure and climate conditions, which are directly relevant to the need for sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Question 6

Arguments by analogy are a "relatively weak mode of argument" because:

Accepted Answer

Arguments by analogy may be weak because they rely on a generalization from a single example, which may not be representative of the larger group or situation being compared. While they can be useful in some contexts, they are generally not as strong as other forms of argument.

Question 7

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? Since vodka and tequila are both distilled spirits, and vodka makes me sick, tequila will make me sick.

Accepted Answer

The inductive generalization is that all distilled spirits, like vodka, will make the person sick, based on the experience with vodka.

Question 8

Evaluation of an argument's logical strength focuses on the step of the argument that is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Evaluation of an argument's logical strength focuses...

Question 9

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between ballet and opera would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Ballet is similar to opera 
Opera tickets are expensive. 
Ballet tickets are expensive.

Accepted Answer

Ballet and opera attracting upper-class patrons directly relates to the economic aspect of ticket pricing, strengthening the analogy that both have expensive tickets.

Question 10

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between science fiction and fantasy books would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Science fiction books and fantasy books are similar. 
I enjoy science fiction books.
I would enjoy fantasy books.

Accepted Answer

The strength of the argument by analogy relies on the similarity in the core essence or content of the two subjects. Since both science fiction and fantasy books are known for telling imaginative stories, this similarity directly supports the argument that if one enjoys science fiction books for their imaginative storytelling, they would likely enjoy fantasy books for the same reason.

Question 11

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? Coyotes are canines, just like wolves are.So because wolves have been domesticated (as dogs), coyotes could be domesticated.

Accepted Answer

The argument by analogy is making an inductive generalization that because wolves, which are canines, have been successfully domesticated, coyotes, also a type of canine, could potentially also be domesticated. This generalization applies to all canines, not just wolves or dogs. Therefore, option E is the best choice as it presents a generalization that encompasses coyotes as well.

Question 12

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Toby Martin is a good actor, so William Liebowitz will be a good actor.

Accepted Answer

The intended connecting term in this analogy is that both Toby Martin and William Liebowitz were trained at the same acting school. This suggests that their training and education in acting are similar, which increases the likelihood that Liebowitz will also be a good actor. Height, fashion sense, singing ability, and appearing in the same movie are all irrelevant factors that do not necessarily contribute to their acting skills.

Question 13

What is most likely to be the intended connecting term in the following argument by analogy? Beds are good for sleeping, so couches are also good for sleeping.

Accepted Answer

The connecting term in this analogy is the characteristic that both beds and couches share, which is their ability to provide a comfortable surface for sleeping. Option D is the only choice that identifies a characteristic common to both beds and couches that supports the analogy.

Question 14

When we are trying to find the connecting term in an argument by analogy from A to B, we might begin by making a list of similarities and differences between A and B.How will that help?

Accepted Answer

The similarity most related to the predicate of the conclusion (the point being argued for by analogy) is likely to be the connecting term, as it provides a logical link between A and B. This method helps to narrow down the most relevant similarity rather than focusing on all the similarities and differences between A and B.

Question 15

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Selena Gomez is similar to Jennifer Lopez. Jennifer Lopez has a long career. Selena Gomez will have a long career.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Suppose that we are evaluating the strength...

Question 16

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? War is a contest, like arm wrestling.So in war, victory goes to the strongest.

Accepted Answer

The inductive generalization is that all contests, including war, are won by the strongest party, based on the analogy with arm wrestling.

Question 17

Suppose that we are evaluating the strength of the following argument by analogy.Which similarity between Walter and John would most help to confirm that this is a strong argument? Walter and John are similar. Walter is a good leader. John is a go od leader.

Accepted Answer

Charisma is a trait directly related to leadership qualities, making the analogy stronger by suggesting that both share a characteristic important for leadership.

Question 18

What is the inductive generalization in the following argument by analogy? A helicopter, like an airplane, is a flying machine.Airplanes have a very good safety record.So helicopters must have a very good safety record too.

Accepted Answer

The inductive generalization in this argument is that airplanes have a very good safety record, and the analogy is drawn that since helicopters are also flying machines, they too must have a very good safety record. This leads to the generalization that all flying machines have very good safety records, which is expressed in option E.

Question 19

In an argument by analogy, is it possible for there to be more than one intended connecting term?

Accepted Answer

In an argument by analogy, there can be multiple intended connecting terms (similarities) between the two compared things. The conclusion is drawn based on these multiple similarities that support the conclusion. Therefore, option D is the correct choice.

Question 20

Is one argument by analogy ever stronger than another?

Accepted Answer

In arguments by analogy, the strength of the argument depends on the similarity between the two things being compared. If the analogy being used is strong and relevant, then it presents better evidence for its conclusion than a weak or irrelevant one. Therefore, some arguments by analogy are stronger than others.

Quiz 13: Argument by Analogy