Assumption vs. Premise

Attribute	Assumption	Premise
Definition	An idea or belief that is taken for granted without proof	A statement that serves as evidence for the truth of a conclusion
Role in argument	Used to support a conclusion but may not be proven	Used as a starting point for an argument and is assumed to be true
Proof	Not necessarily proven or verifiable	Can be proven or verified
Validity	May or may not be valid	Must be valid to support the conclusion

Definition

Assumption and premise are two terms commonly used in logic and argumentation. An assumption is a belief or statement taken for granted without proof, while a premise is a statement that serves as the basis for an argument. Both assumptions and premises are used to support conclusions, but they differ in their nature and role within an argument.

Role in Argumentation

Assumptions are often unstated and implicit in an argument, serving as the foundation upon which the argument is built. They are the starting point from which the argument proceeds, and they are essential for the argument to be coherent and logical. Premises, on the other hand, are explicitly stated and serve as the evidence or reasons that support the conclusion of the argument. They are the building blocks of the argument, providing the necessary support for the conclusion to be valid.

Validity

Assumptions are not always explicitly stated or proven, which can make them more vulnerable to criticism. If an assumption is false or unwarranted, it can weaken the overall argument and lead to faulty conclusions. Premises, on the other hand, are typically supported by evidence or reasoning, making them more reliable and less susceptible to criticism. A strong argument will have premises that are well-supported and logically sound, leading to a valid conclusion.

Flexibility

Assumptions are often based on personal beliefs, experiences, or biases, which can make them subjective and open to interpretation. They may vary from person to person, depending on their individual perspectives and backgrounds. Premises, on the other hand, are more objective and concrete, as they are based on facts, evidence, or logical reasoning. This makes premises more reliable and consistent across different contexts and audiences.

Clarity

Assumptions can sometimes be unclear or ambiguous, as they are not always explicitly stated or defined. This can lead to confusion or misunderstanding in an argument, as different people may interpret the assumptions differently. Premises, on the other hand, are typically clear and specific, providing a solid foundation for the argument to be understood and evaluated. Clear premises help to make the argument more persuasive and convincing.

Importance

Both assumptions and premises play crucial roles in constructing and evaluating arguments. Assumptions provide the underlying beliefs or principles that guide the argument, while premises offer the evidence or reasons that support the argument's conclusion. Without assumptions, an argument may lack coherence or direction, while without premises, an argument may lack credibility or validity. Both elements are essential for a strong and persuasive argument.