Sinatra Inference (#89)

Today's fact is about a term describing a type of logical reasoning. Although I've found some references in academic papers, I couldn't find a compelling and conclusive definition of the term, so I'll try to give you the gist of it.

An inference (de: Inferenz, Schlussfolgerung) is the act of reasoning and deriving logical conclusions. With the Sinatra Inference, you derive a generalized consequence based on a least-likely premise.

That sounds complicated, let me give you an example. Switzerland is ranked among the countries with very little corruption. Nevertheless, the media report ocasionally on cases of corruption. You could argue as follows: If corruption is present in Switzerland (where strict regulations and anti-corruption policies are in place), corruption has to be present everywhere else (where these policies don't exist), as well.

This inference is called after Frank Sinatra because of his famous song "New York, New York" and the line: "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere."