Analogical Reasoning and Conceptual Change: A Case Study of Johannes Kepler

Abstract

The work of Johannes Kepler offers clear examples of conceptual change. In this article, using Kepler's work as a case study, we argue that analogical reasoning facilitates change of knowledge in four ways: (a) highlighting, (b) projection, (c) representation, and (d) restructuring. We present these four mechanisms within the context of structure-mapping theory and its computational implementation, the structure-mapping engine. We exemplify these mechanisms using the extended analogies Kepler used in developing a causal theory of planetary motion.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA466820

Entities

People

  • Arthur B. Markman
  • Bjorn B. Levidow
  • Dedre Gentner
  • Ken Forbus
  • Phillip Wolff
  • Ronald W. Ferguson
  • Sarah Brem

Organizations

  • Northwestern University

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  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

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  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Brightness
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  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Science
  • Computer Science
  • Geometry
  • Language
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  • New York
  • Personality
  • Physical Theories
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Reasoning
  • Solar System
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  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.