a set of premises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a set of premises" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when describing a group or collection of ideas, statements, or facts that are used as the basis for an argument or conclusion. Example: "The lawyer presented a set of premises to support her client's innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Suppose, that is, you have a set of premises and a putative conclusion.

The New Yorker

Reasoning consists of the derivation of inferences or conclusions from a set of premises by means of the application of logical rules or laws.

Britannica

A set of premises preferentially entails A if and only if A is true in all the models that preferentially satisfy the premises.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A theory may be characterized as a postulational system (a set of premises) from which empirical laws are deducible as theorems.

Britannica

A model M is said to preferentially satisfy a set of premises A if and only if M is the minimal model (according to the given preference relation) that satisfies A in the usual sense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another version of this fallacy arises in using reductio ad absurdum reasoning: concluding that a statement is false if its addition to a set of premises leads to a contradiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Thus, to get an "ought" type of conclusion from a set of "is" premises, one must point to some "ought" premise in the background, an "ought" that confers the normative meaning on the relevant type of "is".

SEP

That is, the rules of inference permit one to infer only (logical) truths from any set of premises consisting solely of (logical) truths.

SEP

Part 1 of the series (Reconceptualising Clinical Pathway System Design) reported defects existed in the paper clinical pathways and proposed a set of design premises to guide the development of a computerised clinical pathway management system (CCPMS).

Collegian

This problem arises when the evaluation of alternative outcomes is logically connected to a set of independent premises.

SEP

When Russell applied his analytic methodology to sciences such as physics, again the goal was to arrive at a "minimum vocabulary" required for the science in question, as well as a set of basic premises and general truths from which the rest of the science can be derived.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a set of premises", ensure each premise is clearly defined and logically connected to support your overall argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting premises without providing evidence or justification, as this weakens the argument and undermines credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set of premises" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a collection of statements or assumptions that serve as the foundation for an argument or theory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase used to introduce the basis of a logical argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a set of premises" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a collection of statements or assumptions forming the basis of an argument or theory. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is frequently employed in science, news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define each premise and ensure they are logically connected to support the argument. Alternatives such as "underlying assumptions" or "foundational principles" can be used depending on the specific context. Avoiding unsubstantiated claims is crucial to maintaining credibility in argumentative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core assumptions

Highlights the most important assumptions that are essential to an argument or idea.

starting assumptions

Focuses on the initial assumptions made before further reasoning, often implying a degree of uncertainty.

logical basis

Stresses the logical support that premises provide, focusing on reasoning and inference.

underlying assumptions

Focuses on the assumptions that form the basis of an argument, implying they might be implicit.

foundational principles

Emphasizes the basic principles upon which something is built, suggesting a more structured foundation.

initial propositions

Highlights the starting points of a line of reasoning, denoting a more formal and explicit declaration.

argumentative grounds

Highlights the premises as the basis for an argument, suggesting a formal debate or discussion.

basic tenets

Refers to the core beliefs or principles of a system or philosophy, indicating a more established doctrine.

guiding principles

Emphasizes the role of these premises as guides for decision-making or action, implying a practical application.

axiomatic foundations

Indicates a self-evident basis for a system, suggesting a more rigorous and mathematical approach.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a set of premises" in an argument?

Clearly state each premise and provide supporting evidence to strengthen the validity of your conclusion. Organize your premises logically to build a compelling argument.

What is a common mistake to avoid when presenting "a set of premises"?

Avoid presenting premises that are contradictory or inconsistent with each other, as this undermines the credibility of your argument. Ensure each premise supports the overall claim.

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "a set of premises"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "underlying assumptions" or "foundational principles" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

How does "a set of premises" differ from a conclusion?

A "a set of premises" provides the foundational statements or assumptions upon which an argument is built, while a conclusion is the logical result derived from those premises. The premises support the conclusion.