Define "premise" in logical reasoning.

In logical reasoning, a "premise" is defined as a statement that provides support for the conclusion of an argument. It serves as the foundational evidence or claim upon which the argument is built. To construct a logical argument, one starts with premises that assert certain facts or ideas, and from these premises, the conclusion is drawn.

This structure is essential because the strength and validity of the conclusion depend on the quality and relevance of the premises. When analyzing arguments, understanding the premises helps assess whether the conclusion logically follows. Thus, identifying the premises is key to evaluating the effectiveness of the argument being presented.