Syllogism is a logical argument that consists of three parts, based on subjective reasoning, in which two structures are combined to come to a conclusion. As long as the structures of the syllogism are true and the syllogism is well organized, the conclusion will remain true.
What is Statistical Syllogism?
Statistical syllogism is an inductive syllogism. Statistical syllogism can use appropriate words such as “most”, “frequently”, “almost never”, “rarely,” etc.
Unlike many other forms of syllogism, statistical syllogism is effective, so when examining this type of contradiction we must be careful to emphasize how strong or weak it is, as well as all other rules of induction.
Examples of Statistical Syllogism
A.
(P1) Almost all people are taller than 26 inches
(P2) Nick is a person
(C) Nick is taller than 26 inches
B.
X proportion of F are G
I is an F
I is a G
C.
Person A: Susan likes pizza.
Person B: How do you know?
Person A: Well, cuz she’s a student.
Person A implies the following argument:
(P1). Most students like pizza.
(P2). Susan is a student.
(C). Susan likes pizza.
D.
(P1). n proportion of population X are/have/like/do/etc.Y.
(P2). a is an X.
(C). a has n probability of being/having/liking/doing/etc Y.
E.
If the average price of a home in US is increased by 10% last year. Your brother’s house must also have increased by 10% since last year.
Statistical syllogism example Standard Form:
(P1) In 2016, the average price of a home in the US increased by 10% every year over year.
(P2) Your brother owns a home.
(C) The price of your brother’s home must have increased by 10% year over year.
F.
25% of Americans don’t complete high school, therefore there’s about a 25% chance that Lucky didn’t complete high school.
Statistical syllogism example Standard Form:
(P1) 25% of Americans don’t complete high school.
(P2) Lucky is an American.
(C) Therefore, there’s a 25% chance that she didn’t complete high school.