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What is Analogical Reasoning?

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Analogical reasoning is using an analogy, a type of comparison between two things, to develop understanding and meaning. It's commonly used to make decisions, solve problems and communicate.
As a tool of decision making and problem solving, analogy is used to simplify complex scenarios to something that can be more readily understood. This can improve the quality of solutions, as long as the substitution is valid. As a tool of communication, analogies can efficiently represent complex ideas with familiar and easy to understand comparisons. This can be used to persuade or simply to transfer knowledge.
Overview: Analogical Reasoning
Type
Reasoning
Definition
The use of analogies in thought and communication.
Examples of Analogies
Level the playing field.
Like a fish out of water.
Draw a line in the sand.
As dull as a hammer.
Value
Substituting a complex idea for a simple one in order to solve problems or make decisions.
Potentially makes communication more interesting, memorable and persuasive.
Related Concepts
AnalogyInfluence
Cognitive Biases

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Excluded Middle
Failure Of Imagination
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Fallacy Fallacy
False Analogy
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Fuzzy Logic
Gambler's Fallacy
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Golden Hammer
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Groupthink
Heuristics
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If-By-Whiskey
Illogical Success
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