Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies: A Review

As Hofstadter points out, analogies are fluid, meaning that the analogy between two entities can be drawn differently depending on how these entities are represented. The analogy that is drawn, in turn, can change the representation of the entities being compared. Thus, the analogy between Hofstadter and Sagan can be seen as positive: Both have explained important concepts in their fields to a wide audience and transmitted the excitement of these ideas. Both have inspired a number of people within their fields. Unfortunately, a more negative analogy between Sagan and Hofstadter is possible.