D. Gentner, S. Brem, R. Ferguson, A.B. Markman, B. Levidow, P. Wolff, & K.D. Forbus
Analogical reasoning and conceptual change: A case study of Johannes Kepler
The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 6, 3-40. (1997)

The work of Johannes Kepler offers clear examples of conceptual change. In this paper, using Kepler's work as a case study, we will argue that analogical reasoning facilitates change in knowledge in four ways: highlighting, projection, re-representation, and 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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