Deductive vs Analogical Reasoning Explained | Generated by AI
I’ll explain why the correct answer is D. Deductive reasoning, not C. Analogical reasoning, which you selected.
Key Differences
Deductive reasoning characteristics:
- From general principles to specific cases
- Logical structure: Major premise → Minor premise → Conclusion
Analogical reasoning characteristics:
- Arguing through comparison of similar things
- Logical structure: Thing A has certain features → Thing B is similar to A → B also has these features
Analysis of This Question
In “Preface to the Biography of Actors in the History of the Five Dynasties”:
Reasoning process:
- Major premise (general principle): “Pride brings loss, modesty brings benefit” (arrogance leads to downfall)
- Minor premise (specific case): Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang was arrogant
- Conclusion: Emperor Zhuangzong lost his kingdom
This is a typical general-to-specific reasoning pattern, using a universal truth to explain a specific historical event.
Why Not Analogical Reasoning?
If it were analogical reasoning, the structure would be:
- “King Zhou of Shang fell due to arrogance, Emperor Zhuangzong is similar to King Zhou, therefore he also fell due to arrogance”
But the question only cites a universal maxim to derive a specific conclusion—there’s no comparison between two things involved, so it’s not analogical reasoning.
Memory tip: When citing famous sayings, maxims, or universal principles to argue specific cases, it’s typically deductive reasoning.