In deductive arguments, what are the initial statements called?

In deductive arguments, the initial statements are referred to as premises. These premises provide the foundational statements that lead to a conclusion. In a deductive argument, the premises are intended to fully support the conclusion, meaning that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. Understanding the role of premises is crucial for analyzing and constructing effective arguments, as they set the stage for reasoning and help establish the validity of the conclusion drawn from them. This structure is fundamental to the logical flow of deductive reasoning, allowing one to make a sound argument based on established facts or assertions. Other terms like conclusions, responses, and assumptions refer to different aspects of argumentation and reasoning; conclusions are the statements derived from premises, responses may imply a reaction to an argument, and assumptions are often unstated beliefs that underlie the premises or the conclusion but are not explicitly outlined.