Comparative Reasoning

Comparative reasoning establishes the importance of something by comparing it against something else.

The size of the gap between the things compared indicates importance. Compare against a high standard to make something look undesirable. Compare it against a weak example to make it look good.

To create a logical argument, first establish the validity of the comparison benchmark. For less logic, the benchmark may be assumed.

There are many ways to compare, for example:

• Compare what people have got (or not got) against what others have.
• Compare the past with the future.
• Compare what is actual with what is ideal.
• Compare words and actions against values.

(Source: Changingminds.org)

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