False Analogy Fallacy
Spot the Fallacy Team
Team Content
A false analogy compares two things that are not similar in the ways that matter.
A false analogy compares two things that are not similar in the ways that matter.
Why it is a fallacy
A claim needs evidence that connects the reasons to the conclusion. This fallacy skips that connection or replaces it with a shortcut.
Examples
- Running a country is like running a family, so the same rules apply.
- Employees are like nails; you have to hit them to make them work.
- The brain is like a computer, so it must work the same way.
How to respond
- Identify which similarities actually matter to the conclusion.
- Point out key differences the analogy ignores.
- Ask for evidence beyond the comparison.
Related fallacies
FAQ
Are analogies always wrong?
No. Good analogies highlight relevant similarities with evidence.
How do I test a comparison?
Check whether the shared properties support the claim.
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fallacies)
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Logic and Critical Thinking)
- Nizkor Project (Fallacies)