What is analogy?
An analogy argues that because two things are alike in some ways, they will be alike in another.
The flaw is always the same: the two cases may differ in the one way that matters.
To weaken an analogy, point to a relevant difference between the compared cases.
To defend one, show the difference the other side raised is irrelevant to the conclusion.
Related glossary entry: parallel reasoning.
Last updated October 12, 2026