False Analogy Examples
We could place the term false analogy into a group called “logical fallacy”, which is a failure of reasoning. As a reader, it is important to recognize logical fallacies, because they diminish the value of the author’s message. Like I said, a false analogy is a logical fallacy.
We could also call a false analogy a failure of reasoning. More specifically, it is when the author suggests that two things are similar, when in fact they are different. A false analogy is a false comparison. Many times, an author uses a false analogy when they’re trying to convince the reader that something unknown is like something familiar. The author is taking something unknown to the reader and comparing it to something familiar. Here, the author is taking advantage of the reader’s ignorance.
Like I said, this is comparing something unknown with something familiar. The reader is not familiar with this unknown thing that we’re talking about. Because of that, the author is able to take advantage of the reader’s ignorance.
An example of a false analogy would be this statement right here: “Failing to tip a waitress is like stealing money out of somebody’s wallet.” Of course, failing to tip is very rude, especially when the service has been good. However, people are not arrested for failing to tip as they would be for stealing money from a wallet. To compare stingy diners with thieves is a false analogy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What is a false analogy?
A
A false analogy is a misconception stating that if Item A and Item B share Quality X, then they must share Quality Y as well. For example, Bill and Ted like to play guitar. Bill is a science teacher, so Ted must also be a science teacher.
Q
What is an example of a false analogy?
A
- There are two heavy boxes on the ground. The first box contains books, so the other box must contain books.
- The Sun and this banana are both yellow; therefore, this banana and the Sun are the same size.
- Identical twins Jack and Edgar are both artists; therefore, all identical twins are artists.
Q
How is relativism a type of false analogy?
A
Relativism is the philosophical concept that nothing is universally, objectively true, meaning that what is true for one person may not be true for another.
Q
How do you avoid false analogy?
A
You can avoid false analogies by taking a step back and more closely examining the situation at hand. Also, avoid making assumptions about two different things being alike because they share other similarities.