Is analogy evidence?

[lenihil]

I think analogy is a kind of evidence. Or not?

Thank you in advance for your help! So confused!

[Jeremy Press]

Hi leni,

I agree with you, so good instincts! Assuming the analogy is an apt one (i.e., that the two things being compared through the analogy are relevantly similar), then an analogy can be what we might call indirect evidence for a conclusion. Indirect evidence is not direct proof of the matter at issue (direct proof would be like a video that shows me committing the crime, when you're trying to prove I'm guilty of the crime). But it is evidence that you can validly use to draw an inference about the matter at issue.

Let us know if that helps!

[lenihil]

Hi leni,

I agree with you, so good instincts! Assuming the analogy is an apt one (i.e., that the two things being compared through the analogy are relevantly similar), then an analogy can be what we might call indirect evidence for a conclusion. Indirect evidence is not direct proof of the matter at issue (direct proof would be like a video that shows me committing the crime, when you're trying to prove I'm guilty of the crime). But it is evidence that you can validly use to draw an inference about the matter at issue.

Let us know if that helps!

Thank you Jeremy! That helps a lot!