There are many Examples of analogies Which vary according to the type and the linguistic or philosophical field in which we find ourselves.
Analogies are comparisons or relationships between various objects, things or concepts, pointing out general characteristics that relate the properties of one, in the existence of characteristics of others.
Within the logical aspect it allows to compare objects with similar characteristics or differences of other objects. It allows us to present comparisons of situations with others that have common traits.
Analogies in language
In these analogies, the message has a single interpretation, but is used in such a way that it adds a figurative meaning. There are several types of analogies in language.
Homology
The signifier remains, but the meaning varies. They are different things, with different functions, but they have a structural part that resembles.
Examples of homologous verbal analogies
- Wings are to birds, like legs to human.
- Driver is a car as a pilot is a plane.
- Pilot is on a plane as a train driver.
- Crying is sadness as a laugh is to joy.
- Green is grass, like yellow to banana.
- Driving is a car as riding is on horseback.
- Sheep is a herd as a bee is a hive.
- Hot is cold as light is dark.
- Blue is to sky as white is to snow.
- Water is to thirst as food is to starvation.
Comparison
Through these analogies similes are produced where they compare objects with similar characteristics.
Examples of comparison analogies (simile)
- This structure is hard as iron.
- Her mane is as large as a lion's.
- It's so hot it feels like hell.
- It is black as night.
- It runs so fast it looks like the wind.
- His eyes shine like two emeralds.
- The street is dark as a wolf's mouth.
- The singer raised her voice like a siren.
- They were intricate streets like a labyrinth.
Allegory
In this form of language, comparisons are placed throughout the narrative. The most significant examples of allegories are Bible stories or fables.
Example
The story of Pinocchio states that the child will be punished if he does not tell the truth. If you lie, your nose will grow. In this case, it can be extrapolated that the child who does not tell the truth will receive a punishment.
Metaphor
In this type of analogy, the comparison of an object is established, but the object we are comparing is omitted.
Example
- It is that sparks . A person can not spark, since he has no electric current, in the figurative sense of this analogy, it is understood that he is a person who is angry.
Analogy in argumentation
These types of analogy are used in science to move from known things to unknown things. They are a posteriori approaches that create logical-formal models.
Interpolation
We consider all the situations of a phenomenon and interpolate it to the new situation by analogy or induction, through the variables that we can determine of the first model.
Example
The simplest example of understanding interpolation is in pedagogy for the learning . For example, to learn to read, you need to know the letters that can only be understood in context, words, which in turn are understood in context, sentences, and so on.
This method of learning we can interpolate for example to the learning of karate, where it begins by teaching the simplest katas, to increase its complexity.
Extrapolation
Given repeated events over time, if the variables are kept constant, it is assumed that these phenomena can be repeated again, thus creating a new conclusion. Extrapolation may also mean extension of a method, assuming that similar methods can be applied.
Example
Continuing with the previous example, in the method of learning, to learn to read requires the knowledge of the letters, then we need to associate the letters with sounds, and then with words.
If we extrapolate this method to medicine, we study cells and tissues, which in turn form the organs, with their structures, etc., and the student can learn the functioning of the human body.
Reduction to absurdity
Instead of establishing relationships, as in previous analogies, they establish contradictions to show that they have contrary behavior.
Example
Pedro did not steal Pablo's briefcase, because that day Pedro was in Zaragoza. Through this analogy, it is shown that it is impossible for Peter to have taken Paul's briefcase because he does not have the gift of being in two places at the same time.
Analogies in philosophy
In order to demonstrate the functioning of the universe, philosophy uses two types of analogies
Proportionality Analogy
The best example for this analogy is the allegory of Plato's cave. It compares the shadows that the inhabitants see in the caverns with the things that we do not know because we do not look well and with attention.
The main idea is that the soul, once freed from material things, can see the true form of ideas.
Attribution Analogy
To understand this analogy we will use the example of Aristotle. Healthy body, healthy urine, healthy food and healthy medicine. It is clear that if we have a healthy body the urine is also healthy.
Food is healthy because it helps the body to be healthy. And the medicine is healthy because it also keeps the body healthy. The reference of one application is applicable to all other references.
References
- ITKONEN, Esa. Analogy as structure and process: Approaches in linguistics, cognitive psychology and philosophy of science . John Benjamins Publishing, 2005.
- ESPER, Erwin A. Analogy and association in linguistics and psychology . Georgia Press, 1973.
- ANTTILA, Raimo; BREWER, Warren A. Analogy: A basic bibliography . John Benjamins Publishing, 1977.
- OPPENHEIMER, Robert. Analogy in science. American Psychologist , 1956, vol. 11, no. 3, p. 127.
- HESSE, Mary B. Models and analogies in science.
- LEATHERDALE, William Hilton. The role of analogy, model, and metaphor in science.
- ECO, Umberto; PONS, Maria. The search for the perfect language . Grijalbo mondadori, 1996.