Argument from Example

Also Known As: argument by example inductive generalization from cases case-based argument

Argumentation Scheme ID: argument_from_example

Definition

The argument from example uses one or more specific instances to support a general claim or to argue that what happened in the example case will happen in the current case. This is a form of inductive reasoning that is stronger when the examples are numerous, representative, and relevant. It becomes weak when examples are cherry-picked, atypical, or drawn from contexts that differ importantly from the case at hand.

Examples

Look at Singapore: they implemented strict anti-corruption laws and transformed from a developing nation to one of the wealthiest countries in the world. If we adopt similar anti-corruption measures, we can expect similar economic development.

A public health advocate argues: 'After New Zealand implemented a comprehensive tobacco control strategy — including plain packaging, high taxes, and smoking bans — youth smoking rates dropped dramatically within a decade. If other countries adopt the same package of measures, they can expect similar declines in smoking among young people.'

A startup founder pitches investors: 'Airbnb proved that people are willing to rent out their homes to strangers and that a peer-to-peer marketplace model can scale globally. Our platform applies the same model to peer-to-peer tool rentals, and there's no reason it can't achieve comparable growth.'

Verification Steps

Verification Steps

Binary yes/no questions that an AI must answer to detect a reasoning pattern in a text.

Each of the 452 aspects has verification steps — simple yes/no questions designed to systematically detect whether a pattern appears in a text. For ad hominem: "Does the argument attack a person rather than their claim?" For false dichotomy: "Are only two options presented when more exist?" This ensures consistent, reproducible analysis.

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Binary (yes/no) questions an LLM must answer to identify this aspect:

1

Is a specific instance being used to support a general conclusion?
Type: binary
2

Is the example actually representative of the broader category?
Type: binary
3

Are counterexamples being ignored or dismissed?
Type: binary
4

Is the sample of examples large enough to support generalization?
Type: binary

Description

Why It Works

Concrete examples are vivid and memorable, making them psychologically more persuasive than abstract statistics or theoretical arguments. A single compelling story can outweigh pages of data in the audience's mind.

How to Counter

Ask whether the example is representative or cherry-picked. Identify relevant differences between the example case and the current situation. Request multiple examples and counterexamples to assess whether the pattern is robust.

Also Known As

argument by example inductive generalization from cases case-based argument

Real-World Context

Example-based arguments dominate political speeches ('look at what happened in...'), business case studies, parenting advice, and policy advocacy. Harvard Business School's case method is built on this scheme.

Related Aspects

Hasty Generalization Argument from Precedent Cherry Picking (Suppressed Evidence) Survivorship Bias

Hierarchical Context

→ is a Argumentation Schemes

Try it in action

Use these tools to detect, analyze, or train this aspect.

⚗️ Argument Lab

Analyze an argument step by step

🏋️ Steel Man

Build the strongest counterargument

🔍 Text Analyzer

Scan a text for this pattern

💬 Comeback

Find counter-questions