# Statistical Syllogism | | A **Statistical Syllogism** is a non-deductive syllogism. It argues, using inductive reasoning, from a generalization true for the most part to a particular case. | |-|-| | | wikipedia:: [Statistical syllogism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistical_syllogism) | [[Syllogism]] that uses [[Inductive Logic]] > Statistical syllogisms may use qualifying words like "most", "frequently", "almost never", "rarely", etc., or may have a statistical generalization as one or both of their premises. > > For example: > > Almost all people are taller than 26 inches > Gareth is a person > Therefore, Gareth is taller than 26 inches > Premise 1 (the major premise) is a generalization, and the argument attempts to draw a conclusion from that generalization. In contrast to a deductive syllogism, the premises logically support or confirm the conclusion rather than strictly implying it: it is possible for the premises to be true and the conclusion false, but it is not likely. > > General form: > > X proportion of F are G > I is an F > I is a G > In the abstract form above, F is called the "reference class" and G is the "attribute class" and I is the individual object. So, in the earlier example, "(things that are) taller than 26 inches" is the attribute class and "people" is the reference class.