In logic, an argument is a set of one or more declarative sentences (or "propositions") known as the premises along with another declarative sentence (or "proposition") known as the conclusion. Aristotle held that any logical argument could be reduced to two premises and a conclusion. Premises are sometimes left unstated in which case they are called missing premises, for example:

Socrates is mortal, since all men are mortal.

It is evident that a tacitly understood claim is that Socrates is a man. The fully expressed reasoning is thus:

Since all men are mortal and Socrates is a man, it follows that Socrates is mortal.

In this example, the first two independent clauses preceding the comma (namely, "all men are mortal" and "Socrates is a man") are the premises, while "Socrates is mortal" is the conclusion.

The proof of a conclusion depends on both the truth of the premises and the validity of the argument.

Noun

premise (plural premises)

1. A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition.
2. (logic) Either of the first two propositions of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is deduced.
3. (usually plural, law) Matters previously stated or set forth; esp., that part in the beginning of a deed, the office of which is to express the grantor and grantee, and the land or thing granted or conveyed, and all that precedes the habendum; the thing demised or granted.
4. (usually plural) A piece of real estate; a building and its adjuncts (in this sense, used most often in the plural form).

   trespass on another’s premises

Related terms

• conclusion

Matching Results for Premise:

Bowfinger
Robert: We're finished! It's over between us! Daisy: But why? Robert: You slept with Jiff. Daisy: So? Robert: You know, I never thought about it all the way.

Bela Bartok
In art there are only fast or slow developments. Essentially it is a matter of evolution, not revolution.

Kalidasa
Kalidasa (Devanagari: kaalidaas) was a Sanskrit poet and dramatist, his title Kavikulaguru (Preceptor of All Poets) bearing testimony to his stature.

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