Premise: A Literary Device

Etymology of Premise

The term “premise” has its roots in Latin, primarily deriving from the word “praemissus,” which combines “prae” (before) and “missus” (sent or placed).

Its etymological evolution continued through Old French and Middle English, where it came to be associated with the idea of a statement or proposition that is put forward before an argument or discussion. In the context of logic and argumentation, a premise refers to a foundational statement or proposition upon which the argument is built.

This etymological journey highlights the historical development of the term, linking it to the fundamental concepts of reasoning and argument construction.

Meanings of Premise

Aspect	Meaning
Logical Foundation	Fundamental statement in logic and argumentation, forming the basis for reasoning and conclusions.
Starting Point	The initial assertion or fact that serves as the beginning of an argument, supporting its validity.
Assumption	Accepted presupposition or assumption, used as a building block for logical reasoning within an argument.
Supporting Evidence	A statement or evidence that underpins a conclusion or argument, providing a logical or factual basis.
Foundational Statement	Essential element for constructing a logically sound argument, establishing the groundwork for reasoning.

Definition of Premise

In literature, a premise refers to the fundamental concept, situation, or proposition upon which a story or narrative is built. It serves as the foundation for the narrative’s development and the exploration of its themes and ideas.

A well-defined premise not only sets the stage but also guides the plot and character interactions, enriching the overall storytelling experience.

Types of Premises

Type	Explanation	Example
Conceptual Premise	Centered on a fundamental idea or concept, forming the intellectual foundation for the narrative.	A story exploring the concept of utopia and dystopia.
Emotional Premise	Focuses on the underlying feelings and emotions driving characters, emphasizing inner struggles and motivations.	A narrative delving into the complexities of unrequited love.
Moral or Ethical Premise	Revolves around moral or ethical dilemmas, encouraging readers to consider the rightness or wrongness of actions.	A story exploring the ethical consequences of scientific experimentation.
Setting-Based Premise	Rooted in the narrative’s setting, which shapes the plot and character experiences.	A tale set in a post-apocalyptic world, where survival is paramount.
Character-Driven Premise	Emphasizes character development, conflicts, and relationships as the central focus of the narrative.	A story following a character’s journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Plot-Driven Premise	Focuses on events, actions, and conflicts that drive the story’s progression and outcomes.	An action-packed adventure where the protagonist must solve a series of puzzles to save the world.
Conflict-Based Premise	Built on conflicts, tensions, or antagonistic elements that drive the plot and character interactions.	A political thriller revolving around power struggles and conspiracy.
Thematic Premise	Revolves around overarching themes or ideas guiding the narrative’s exploration of specific topics and issues.	A narrative exploring the theme of identity in a rapidly changing world.

Common Examples of Premises

1. Legal Premises: In legal discussions, premises are the facts or statements on which legal arguments and judgments are based. For example, the premise that someone is innocent until proven guilty is foundational in many legal systems.
2. Scientific Premises: Scientific research relies on premises or assumptions that form the basis for experiments and theories. The premise that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius under standard atmospheric pressure is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics.
3. Medical Premises: In healthcare, premises are often diagnostic assumptions. For instance, a doctor may start with the premise that a patient’s symptoms are caused by a specific condition before conducting further tests.
4. Economic Premises: Economic decisions and policies are based on premises about factors like supply and demand, inflation, and consumer behavior. For example, a premise in economic analysis might be that increased demand leads to higher prices.
5. Personal Beliefs and Values: In personal life, premises often include individual beliefs and values. For instance, someone may operate on the premise that honesty is the best policy in all situations.
6. Ethical Premises: Ethical reasoning relies on premises that establish moral principles. The premise that causing harm to others is ethically wrong is a common ethical foundation.
7. Relationship Premises: In personal relationships, assumptions about trust and communication often serve as premises. The premise that open and honest communication is essential for a healthy relationship guides behavior.
8. Educational Premises: In education, premises include fundamental concepts and principles that serve as the basis for learning. The premise that 2 + 2 = 4 is foundational in mathematics.
9. Business Premises: Business decisions are often based on premises related to market trends, consumer behavior, and financial projections. A premise might be that reducing production costs will lead to higher profits.
10. Political Premises: In politics, premises are the foundational principles and beliefs on which political ideologies and policies are built. For instance, the premise that individual freedom is a core value in a particular political ideology.

Suggested Readings

Books:

1. Toulmin, Stephen. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
2. Fisher, Walter R. The Narrative Paradigm: In the Beginning. Communication Monographs, vol. 51, no. 3, 1984, pp. 253-259.
3. Walton, Douglas N. Informal Logic: A Handbook for Critical Argumentation. Cambridge University Press, 1989.
4. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
5. Johnson, Ralph H. The Rise of Informal Logic. Virginia Review of Asian Studies, vol. 1, 1995, pp. 134-143.