Analogy

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the concept of analogy. We consider the peculiarities of its use in the history of philosophy, starting from Antiquity, from the school of Pythagoras, which is associated with the origin of this term. The use of analogy by Plato, Aristotle, Renaissance and Modern philosophers is discussed. The definition of analogical inference as a special type of plausible inference is given. The types of analogical inference and the corresponding examples are listed. We also consider the use of reasoning by analogy in the field of mathematics, law, and in scientific research in general. Modeling as one of the most effective research methods is directly related to analogy. Analogy is based on the concept of similarity, and it has its own specifics in various scientific fields. In mathematics and logic, similarity is expressed in concepts such as isomorphism and homomorphism. The analysis of these concepts is provided in the corresponding section. Bionics is based on the analogy between living organisms and technological devices. Some examples of inventions, which were motivated by bionics ideas, are given. The paper also raises the question about the relationship of such concepts as analogy and metaphor, and indicates their essential differences.