Question 1

Describe the "Familiarity" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more familiar and then supply one that is less familiar.

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Question 2

The human mind craves pattern. Using examples, briefly describe how our species used its capacity for pattern recognition down through the millennia. Discuss how the use our capacity for pattern recognition is fundamental to human reasoning.

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Question 3

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "I can't listen to that symphony. The music is so sad that it makes me feel like pulling my heart out. That's what I find so mysterious about music: How can a bunch of sounds be sad? It's like saying a bunch of rocks can get angry or a glass of water can be full of joy. I just don't get it."

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Question 4

Because comparative reasoning is notoriously weak from the logical perspective, scientists do not rely on comparative reasoning to generate interesting models and hypotheses.

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Comparative reasoning is a fundamental aspect of scientific inquiry, allowing scientists to generate hypotheses and models by comparing different phenomena, data sets, or case studies to identify patterns, differences, and similarities. This method is crucial across various scientific disciplines.

Question 5

Describe the "Simplicity" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is simpler and then supply one that is more complex.

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Question 6

Comparative reasoning is powerfully _____________. This can be a major benefit of the use of comparative reasoning, and at the same time it can be a serious liability.

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Question 7

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "It is a crime against humanity to fudge a little on your taxes-you know, report less income than you actually earned. I think that people who cheat on their taxes shouldn't be allowed to drive on public roads, send their kids to public schools, or call the police when in danger. Because they steal from the communal well, it is fitting that they shouldn't be allowed to draw from that well when in need."

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Question 8

While creative comparisons can be richly suggestive of new ideas, comparative inferences are notoriously inadequate to the task of serving as final proofs of those ideas.

Accepted Answer

Comparative inferences can be a starting point for generating new ideas, but they do not provide conclusive evidence or proof. Further analysis and evidence are necessary to fully support and validate an idea.

Question 9

_______________inferences are best used to explore assumptions and to tentatively shape expectations about new situations.

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Question 10

Describe the "Testability" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more testable and then supply one that is less testable.

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Question 11

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "Marta and Mike are cool, but in different ways. If they were cities, Marta would be New York and Mike would be Seattle Jerry, however, would be Clarkston, Michigan. I mean, I like Jerry, but he's not a destination hot spot."

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Question 12

However persuasive they may be, logically speaking, comparative inferences are seldom, if ever, acceptable proofs of the truth of their conclusions.

Accepted Answer

Comparative inferences compare two or more things to reach a conclusion, but they do not provide sufficient evidence or proof for the conclusion to be considered true. Therefore, they are not considered acceptable proofs in logic.

Question 13

The strong critical thinker with a healthy sense of ______________ and a good nose for weak logic will be cautious when comparisons and metaphors, rather than sound arguments, are used as substitutes for solid explanations or as calls to action.

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Question 14

Explain why the "Four Tests of the Acceptability of an Argument" are difficult to apply when evaluating comparative inferences.

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Question 15

Describe the "Comprehensiveness" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more comprehensive and then supply one that is less comprehensive.

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Question 16

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "What's it like being a parent? It is a tough job with long hours and terrible pay. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful experience. When I see my son's face light up with joy when I come home from work, I feel like I'm on top of the world."

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Question 17

Describe the "Productivity" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more productive and then supply one that is less productive.

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Question 18

The simplicity and ______________ of comparative reasoning often lead to a false sense of their relevance and applicability.

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Question 19

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "So you want to know what it is like to work at XYZ company? Well, think of the meanest thing you have ever done. Now, imagine getting paid to do something worse than that every day. It is about as emotionally rewarding as torturing a puppy. But I figure that because I am already in bed with the devil, I might as well try to enjoy it."

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Question 20

Comparative reasoning is used in discussions of ___________, such as to compare situations and infer rights and responsibilities.

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Quiz 12: Comparative Reasoning

Describe the "Familiarity" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more familiar and then supply one that is less familiar.

The human mind craves pattern. Using examples, briefly describe how our species used its capacity for pattern recognition down through the millennia. Discuss how the use our capacity for pattern recognition is fundamental to human reasoning.

Because comparative reasoning is notoriously weak from the logical perspective, scientists do not rely on comparative reasoning to generate interesting models and hypotheses.

Describe the "Simplicity" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is simpler and then supply one that is more complex.

Comparative reasoning is powerfully _____________. This can be a major benefit of the use of comparative reasoning, and at the same time it can be a serious liability.

While creative comparisons can be richly suggestive of new ideas, comparative inferences are notoriously inadequate to the task of serving as final proofs of those ideas.

_______________inferences are best used to explore assumptions and to tentatively shape expectations about new situations.

Describe the "Testability" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more testable and then supply one that is less testable.

However persuasive they may be, logically speaking, comparative inferences are seldom, if ever, acceptable proofs of the truth of their conclusions.

The strong critical thinker with a healthy sense of ______________ and a good nose for weak logic will be cautious when comparisons and metaphors, rather than sound arguments, are used as substitutes for solid explanations or as calls to action.

Explain why the "Four Tests of the Acceptability of an Argument" are difficult to apply when evaluating comparative inferences.

Describe the "Comprehensiveness" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more comprehensive and then supply one that is less comprehensive.

Describe the "Productivity" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more productive and then supply one that is less productive.

The simplicity and ______________ of comparative reasoning often lead to a false sense of their relevance and applicability.

Comparative reasoning is used in discussions of ___________, such as to compare situations and infer rights and responsibilities.