Factors That Affect the Strength of an Analogical Argument
The relevance of the similarities shared by the primary and secondary analogues
The number of similarities between the primary and secondary analogues
The nature and degree of disanalogy between the primary and secondary analogues
The number of primary analogues
The diversity among the primary analogues
The specificity of the argument's conclusion
With these six factors in hand, you can evaluate each fact related to the conclusion of an analogical argument and determine whether that fact strengthens or weakens the argument.
Along with the following analogical argument, you are asked to consider several additional facts. Evaluate each additional fact in light of the six factors just described. For each fact, use the dropdown menu to indicate whether that fact strengthens, weakens, or is irrelevant to the conclusion drawn by the initial argument.
Gerald lost 20 pounds by eating nothing but submarine sandwiches from the local sandwich shop. I'm no longer eating anything but the same sandwiches as Gerald, so I should have no trouble losing a few pounds.
a. Suppose that, in addition to eating the same food as Gerald, he and I work out at the same gym and with the same trainer. This fact would strengthen the analogical argument given.
b. Suppose that I am expecting to lose exactly 20 pounds. This fact would weaken the analogical argument given.
c. Suppose that I just found out that my friend Burt has also been on the sandwich diet and has lost weight as well. This fact would strengthen the analogical argument given.
d. Suppose that the shop where Gerald and I buy our sandwiches specializes in healthy foods and uses only low-fat, wholesome ingredients. This fact would strengthen the analogical argument given.
e. Suppose that Gerald has also maintained a strict exercise regimen during the time he's been losing weight (while I have not). This fact would weaken the analogical argument given.