1. Explain the overall concept of Argument by Analogy using the example of the Watchmaker from the reading by Paley as a possible Argument by Analogy.
An analogical argument is an inductive argument, where existing similarities are used to conclude some further similarities between two things are yet to occur. An analogical argument can be represented in the following way. This form of argument is often used in cases where one thing (X) is accepted, and another thing (Y) is not. The Watchmaker Argument, by William Paley is used to connect a watch and living organisms by comparing similar properties, and later to suggest other similar properties of a contriver. In the case of this argument, the watch has a watchmaker. In the case of nature and the universe, there is God. This argument is a fantastic example of noting the similarities between two concepts and deducing that these similarities will occur as the argument progresses. 2. How can an argument by analogy be supported or countered? The strength of argument by analogy is dependent on the certainty of the original similarities, as if they are valid and sound, the likelihood that these similarities will continue. …show more content…
The strength of argument by analogy relies on several factors. Firstly, the more similarities are present, the likelihood that the following similarities of two things are yet to come. An example of this, if one thing with six accurate analogous properties with item two, then one would be inclined to believe that the seventh property would be shared between both item one and two. Secondly, the variety of the similarities are key, as if the diversity of similarities is present, then the chance that these diverse similarities are likely to continue. Thirdly, the relevance of these analogous properties and further inferred properties are significant. If you take two things with six accurate analogous properties, however the second thing has one dissimilar property, and this property is so dissimilar that the overall conclusion that these two things are similar, falls apart due to the nature of this dissimilar property of the second thing. A strong analogical argument is supported by the factors of the argument and raises the probability that the conclusion is true. A weak analogical argument has a limited number of strong factors, meaning that conclusion is probabilistically false. However, as analogical arguments are inductive and probabilistic by nature, they are always measured on the strength of the premises. 3. Explain WHETHER Paley uses an analogy to support his belief in an Intelligent Designer. It appears to be on the surface, but why do some argue that it is not an Argument by Analogy. There is some debate as to whether the argument presented by Paley, is indeed an argument by analogy. The state of this argument relies on the existing relationship between the watch and the universe. It is possible to believe that there are similar properties between a watch, a natural artefact and human artefact, as these similarities do exist, therefore we can infer that these properties of a watch, natural or human artefact have a designer. However, throughout the argument, Paley doesn’t specify that complex organs found in living things are like artefacts, he says that they are the same as artefacts in vital aspects. “Properties, such as a relation to an end, relation to parts of one another, and to a common purpose”, state that complex organs or artefacts share
An analogical argument is an inductive argument, where existing similarities are used to conclude some further similarities between two things are yet to occur. An analogical argument can be represented in the following way. This form of argument is often used in cases where one thing (X) is accepted, and another thing (Y) is not. The Watchmaker Argument, by William Paley is used to connect a watch and living organisms by comparing similar properties, and later to suggest other similar properties of a contriver. In the case of this argument, the watch has a watchmaker. In the case of nature and the universe, there is God. This argument is a fantastic example of noting the similarities between two concepts and deducing that these similarities will occur as the argument progresses. 2. How can an argument by analogy be supported or countered? The strength of argument by analogy is dependent on the certainty of the original similarities, as if they are valid and sound, the likelihood that these similarities will continue. …show more content…
The strength of argument by analogy relies on several factors. Firstly, the more similarities are present, the likelihood that the following similarities of two things are yet to come. An example of this, if one thing with six accurate analogous properties with item two, then one would be inclined to believe that the seventh property would be shared between both item one and two. Secondly, the variety of the similarities are key, as if the diversity of similarities is present, then the chance that these diverse similarities are likely to continue. Thirdly, the relevance of these analogous properties and further inferred properties are significant. If you take two things with six accurate analogous properties, however the second thing has one dissimilar property, and this property is so dissimilar that the overall conclusion that these two things are similar, falls apart due to the nature of this dissimilar property of the second thing. A strong analogical argument is supported by the factors of the argument and raises the probability that the conclusion is true. A weak analogical argument has a limited number of strong factors, meaning that conclusion is probabilistically false. However, as analogical arguments are inductive and probabilistic by nature, they are always measured on the strength of the premises. 3. Explain WHETHER Paley uses an analogy to support his belief in an Intelligent Designer. It appears to be on the surface, but why do some argue that it is not an Argument by Analogy. There is some debate as to whether the argument presented by Paley, is indeed an argument by analogy. The state of this argument relies on the existing relationship between the watch and the universe. It is possible to believe that there are similar properties between a watch, a natural artefact and human artefact, as these similarities do exist, therefore we can infer that these properties of a watch, natural or human artefact have a designer. However, throughout the argument, Paley doesn’t specify that complex organs found in living things are like artefacts, he says that they are the same as artefacts in vital aspects. “Properties, such as a relation to an end, relation to parts of one another, and to a common purpose”, state that complex organs or artefacts share