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UGC NET Paper 1: Unit 6 (Logical Reasoning)

Analogical Arguments

Understanding inductive reasoning based on comparison, structure, and evaluation.

1. Definition & Nature

An analogical argument is a form of inductive reasoning that relies on the comparison of two or more things that are alike in certain respects. It assumes that because two things share some similarities, they are likely to share other similarities as well.

Nature of Arguments (Exam Key)

  • Analogical Arguments are Inductive in nature. Asked in Exam
  • The conclusion can be no more than probable. Asked in Exam

Evaluation Rule

Unlike deductive arguments (Valid/Invalid), analogical arguments are evaluated as Strong or Weak.

Calling them deductive is incorrect. They reason from observed similarities to probable conclusions. Asked in Exam

2. Structure & Exam Formula

A

Object A

Prop X Prop Y Prop Z

Compare Similarities

⬇️ Inference
B

Object B

Prop X Prop Y Likely Z?

🎓 The Exam Formula:

"A" has characteristics of 'X" and 'Y". 'B' has characteristics of 'X" and 'Y". 'A' has the characteristics of 'Z'. Therefore 'B' has the characteristics of 'Z'.

This is Argument from Analogy

3. Examples (Direct from Exam)

Descriptive & Literary

  • “Abhay's mind is a cave, deep, dark and full of bats." Exam
  • "Habits are like a cable. We weave a strand of it everyday and soon it cannot be broken." Exam
  • "Swati's mind is a tree always laden with fruitful ideas" (Descriptive Only) Exam

Educational

  • “Pre-active stage of classroom teaching is important just as pre-learning preparation stage of communication” Exam
  • “Method of teaching in the classroom can be compared to the architectural plan of a building” Exam
  • “A pilot without flight plans is like an artist without paints” Exam
  • 'Writing on paper is similar to writing on the board' Exam

Comparison

  • “An English woman lecturing Americans on semicolons is a little like an American lecturing the French on sauces" Exam
  • "To slow a beast, you break its limbs. To slow a nation, you break its people." Exam

Analogical Reasoning in Aptitude

1. Relationship Analogies

MOTION : RUN :: EMOTION : FEELING

Exam

Worse : Bad :: Doting : Fond

(Degree of intensity)

Exam

Frown : Pain :: Smile : Joy

(Expression of emotion)

Exam

Cup : Coffee :: Bowl : Soup

(Container and content)

Exam

2. Classification / Odd One Out

Neurologist, Cardiologist, Alchemist, Gynaecologist

Answer: Alchemist (Others are medical doctors) Exam

Aravali Hills, Shivalik Hills, Nilgiri Hills

Logic: All hill ranges in India. Exam

Paper, Wool, Jute

Logic: Natural materials (trees, animals, plants). Exam

Tall, Huge, Thin

Logic: Physical dimensions. Exam

Eyes, Legs, Hands

Logic: Paired body parts. Exam

Key to Evaluating Analogical Arguments

1

Relevance

Are the shared similarities relevant to the conclusion?

2

Number

Are there enough similarities?

3

Differences

Are there significant differences that undermine the comparison?