Analogy (Noun)
Meaning 1
An inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect; "the operation of a computer presents and interesting analogy to the working of the brain"; "the models show by analogy how matter is built up".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
The religious belief that between creature and creator no similarity can be found so great but that the dissimilarity is always greater; any analogy between God and humans will always be inadequate.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The theologian cautioned against drawing an analogy between human love and divine love, as it was impossible to fully capture the complexity of God's nature.
- In trying to understand the divine, some philosophers resorted to using an analogy, comparing God's relationship with humanity to that of a parent and child.
- The doctrine of divine transcendence asserts that any analogy between God and creation is ultimately insufficient, as the creator is fundamentally distinct from the created.
- Theologians have long debated the use of analogy in describing God's nature, with some arguing that it is a necessary tool for understanding, while others see it as a flawed attempt to grasp the unknowable.
- The Catholic Church has traditionally taught that analogy is a legitimate way to speak about God, but one that must be used with caution, as it can never fully capture the mystery of the divine.