Exam 12: Comparative Reasoning

The most useful comparisons are those that are based upon structural, functional, central, and essential features to ____________ how we might understand that which is less familiar based on what we know about that which is more familiar.

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "I can't listen to that symphony. The music is so sad that it makes me feel like pulling my heart out. That's what I find so mysterious about music: How can a bunch of sounds be sad? It's like saying a bunch of rocks can get angry or a glass of water can be full of joy. I just don't get it."

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "Marta and Mike are cool, but in different ways. If they were cities, Marta would be New York and Mike would be Seattle Jerry, however, would be Clarkston, Michigan. I mean, I like Jerry, but he's not a destination hot spot."

Comparative reasoning is powerfully _____________. This can be a major benefit of the use of comparative reasoning, and at the same time it can be a serious liability.

When scientific investigators develop and apply a theoretical model in the creative search for novel solutions to problems, they are using which kind of reasoning?

Because comparative reasoning is notoriously weak from the logical perspective, scientists do not rely on comparative reasoning to generate interesting models and hypotheses.

Words like apt, insightful, vivid, silly, and superficial are better for evaluating sentences that assert comparisons than words like ________.

Explain why the "Four Tests of the Acceptability of an Argument" are difficult to apply when evaluating comparative inferences.

A successful comparative inference will satisfy five criteria, the one called familiarity refers to is the ________.

A successful comparative inference will satisfy five criteria, the one called comprehensiveness refers to is the ________.

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "So you want to know what it is like to work at XYZ company? Well, think of the meanest thing you have ever done. Now, imagine getting paid to do something worse than that every day. It is about as emotionally rewarding as torturing a puppy. But I figure that because I am already in bed with the devil, I might as well try to enjoy it."

The strong critical thinker with a healthy sense of ______________ and a good nose for weak logic will be cautious when comparisons and metaphors, rather than sound arguments, are used as substitutes for solid explanations or as calls to action.

Describe the "Familiarity" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more familiar and then supply one that is less familiar.

However persuasive they may be, logically speaking, comparative inferences are seldom, if ever, acceptable proofs of the truth of their conclusions.

Describe the "Comprehensiveness" criterion as it is applied to the evaluating comparative reasoning. Give an original example of two contrasting comparisons for the same object; first give one that is more comprehensive and then supply one that is less comprehensive.

The simplicity and ______________ of comparative reasoning often lead to a false sense of their relevance and applicability.

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "It is a crime against humanity to fudge a little on your taxes-you know, report less income than you actually earned. I think that people who cheat on their taxes shouldn't be allowed to drive on public roads, send their kids to public schools, or call the police when in danger. Because they steal from the communal well, it is fitting that they shouldn't be allowed to draw from that well when in need."

While creative comparisons can be richly suggestive of new ideas, comparative inferences are notoriously inadequate to the task of serving as final proofs of those ideas.

Identify the comparisons in this passage and explain what they attempt to convey: "What's it like being a parent? It is a tough job with long hours and terrible pay. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful experience. When I see my son's face light up with joy when I come home from work, I feel like I'm on top of the world."

What is another term for comparative reasoning?