Analogies and Analogical Reasonings in the Mencius
by Thierry Lucas

ABSTRACT

The article starts from the idea that analogy is a relation of similarity between structures and applies it to analyze examples taken from the Mencius, exhibiting the hidden complexity of analogies and the non trivial use of analogical reasonings. The article also introduces the idea that moral reasonings and recommendations of pre-Qin thinkers very often deal with behaviors which may be qualified as "right" or "wrong" and lead to positive or negative recommendations. It is also shown that a liberal notion of analogy covers reasonings by appeal to the past, to the sacred texts as well as arguments of reciprocity and some aspects of metaphors. This formal presentation of analogies suggests their universal range and significance and lends support to the opinion that while there is a historical specificity of Chinese thinking and of Chinese logic, its characterization should nevertheless be found elsewhere than in the use of analogies.

Keywords
Analogy, Analogical reasoning, Mencius, Analogical structures, Logical analysis, Metaphor