Analogical Reasoning and Semantic Rules of Inference

Macagno, Fabrizio; Walton, Douglas; Tindale, Christopher

Analogical Reasoning and Semantic Rules of Inference

Macagno, F., Walton, D., & Tindale, C. W. (2014). Analogical Reasoning and Semantic Rules of Inference. Revue internationale de philosophie, 270(4), 419-432.

14 Pages Posted: 21 Feb 2015

See all articles by Fabrizio Macagno

Christopher Tindale

University of Windsor

Date Written: February 20, 2015

Abstract

Analogy is represented as a twofold process of abstraction and species-genus inference. This type of analysis can account for essential (i.e. intentional) and accidental similarities. In dialectical analogies, the ones analyzed in the Topics, the abstraction singles out a feature that is part of or related to the meaning of the terms and that is relevant under the respect imposed by the analogical predicate. This process can shed light on the mechanisms underlying reasoning from accidental similarity analysed in the Rhetoric.

Keywords: analogy, reasoning, artistotle, interpretation, inference

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Macagno, Fabrizio and Walton, Douglas and Tindale, Christopher, Analogical Reasoning and Semantic Rules of Inference (February 20, 2015). Macagno, F., Walton, D., & Tindale, C. W. (2014). Analogical Reasoning and Semantic Rules of Inference. Revue internationale de philosophie, 270(4), 419-432., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2567673