“Analogy” is Analogous

Abstract

The claim that “analogy” is analogous has sometimes been made in comparing so-called analogy of attribution with so-called analogy of proper proportionality when the meaning of “primary analogate” in these two putative types of analogous name is questioned. The claim, it has always seemed to me, has a rhetorical if not intimidating ring to it. One is being told, presumably, what analogy is and when he seeks clarification about an element of the explanation he is told that it is analogous. Well, of course, one finds the word “dictionary” in the dictionary but if one were sent to the dictionary to look up the word “dictionary” it would be fair to ask if the trip is necessary. Similarly, if one could be expected to understand the claim that “analogy” is analogous, made in the course of an explanation of analogy, one would scarcely be in need of enlightenment in the first place.