Premise vs. Hypothesis: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 12, 2023
A Premise is a foundational statement in arguments, while a Hypothesis is a testable prediction in scientific research.
Key Differences
A Premise acts as a foundational or base statement upon which an argument or reasoning is constructed. In contrast, a Hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation or observation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
When constructing logical arguments, the Premise serves as an accepted truth or fact that supports the conclusion drawn. A Hypothesis, on the other hand, isn't an accepted fact; it's a conjecture that scientists or researchers aim to validate or invalidate.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
In everyday conversations, a Premise might refer to an underlying assumption or a starting point for discussion. Meanwhile, the term Hypothesis is primarily used in scientific contexts, denoting a preliminary idea that awaits verification through research.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
While both Premise and Hypothesis serve as foundational elements in their respective domains, their roles are distinct. A valid Premise doesn't require empirical testing, whereas a Hypothesis specifically demands testing and evidence to be considered valid or invalid.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Both Premise and Hypothesis are essential in structuring thought. The former lays the groundwork for coherent reasoning, and the latter provides a direction for scientific investigation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Foundational statement in arguments
Testable prediction in research
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Nov 12, 2023
Role
Supports conclusions in reasoning
A conjecture to be validated or invalidated
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Nov 12, 2023
Requirement for Test
Not necessarily tested empirically
Requires empirical testing
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Nov 12, 2023
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Premise and Hypothesis Definitions
Premise
The initial position of a syllogism or logical structure.
His entire theory falls apart if the initial Premise is incorrect.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Hypothesis
A testable prediction in scientific research.
Her Hypothesis was that plants grow faster under blue light.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Premise
A proposition upon which a conclusion is drawn.
The contract was built on the Premise that both parties would cooperate.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Hypothesis
A proposed explanation made on limited evidence.
The detective's Hypothesis was based on the clues at the crime scene.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Premise
A proposition upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Hypothesis
A tentative assumption used for drawing conclusions.
Based on the Hypothesis, the scientist conducted several tests.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
Hypothesis
A foundation for further investigation.
The research began with a simple Hypothesis about cell behavior.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
Premise
Either the major or the minor proposition of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is drawn.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Hypothesis
A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Hypothesis
Something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an assumption.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
(Law) The part of a deed that states the details of the conveyance of the property.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Hypothesis
(sciences) Used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
To provide a basis for; base
"The American Revolution had been premised on a tacit bargain that regional conflicts would be subordinated to the need for unity among the states" (Ron Chernow).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Hypothesis
(general) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Hypothesis
A supposition; a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an overdue steamer.
An hypothesis being a mere supposition, there are no other limits to hypotheses than those of the human imagination.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition.
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Oct 13, 2023
Hypothesis
A tentative theory or supposition provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently called a working hypothesis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
(logic) Any of the first propositions of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is deduced.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
Matters previously stated or set forth; especially, that part in the beginning of a deed, the office of which is to express the grantor and grantee, and the land or thing granted or conveyed, and all that precedes the habendum; the thing demised or granted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Hypothesis
A tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;
A scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory
He proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
A piece of real estate; a building and its adjuncts.
Trespass on another’s premises
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Oct 13, 2023
Premise
(authorship) The fundamental concept that drives the plot of a film or other story.
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Oct 13, 2023
Hypothesis
An educated guess awaiting verification.
His Hypothesis about the market's reaction proved to be correct.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Premise
To set forth beforehand, or as introductory to the main subject; to offer previously, as something to explain or aid in understanding what follows.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
To send before the time, or beforehand; hence, to cause to be before something else; to employ previously.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition.
The premises observed,Thy will by my performance shall be served.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
Either of the first two propositions of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is drawn.
While the premises stand firm, it is impossible to shake the conclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
Matters previously stated or set forth; esp., that part in the beginning of a deed, the office of which is to express the grantor and grantee, and the land or thing granted or conveyed, and all that precedes the habendum; the thing demised or granted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
A piece of real estate; a building and its adjuncts; as, to lease premises; to trespass on another's premises.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
To send before the time, or beforehand; hence, to cause to be before something else; to employ previously.
The premised flames of the last day.
If venesection and a cathartic be premised.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
To set forth beforehand, or as introductory to the main subject; to offer previously, as something to explain or aid in understanding what follows; especially, to lay down premises or first propositions, on which rest the subsequent reasonings.
I premise these particulars that the reader may know that I enter upon it as a very ungrateful task.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Premise
A statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn;
On the assumption that he has been injured we can infer that he will not to play
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Oct 13, 2023
Premise
Set forth beforehand, often as an explanation;
He premised these remarks so that his readers might understand
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Oct 13, 2023
Premise
Furnish with a preface or introduction;
She always precedes her lectures with a joke
He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution
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Oct 13, 2023
Premise
A foundational statement in an argument.
The Premise of his argument is that all humans are inherently good.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Premise
An assumption or basis for reasoning.
The discussion started on the Premise that climate change is real.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Premise
An underlying factor or foundation.
The Premise of her story was that love conquers all.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
FAQs
What's the main function of a Premise in an argument?
A Premise serves as a foundational statement supporting a conclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can a Premise be challenged?
Yes, a Premise can be challenged if it's not universally accepted or if it's flawed.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
In what fields is the term Hypothesis commonly used?
The term Hypothesis is predominantly used in scientific and research fields.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can the Premise of a story be fictional?
Yes, in literature or film, a Premise can be a fictional starting point or theme.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Is a Premise always factual?
While a Premise should be based on accepted truths, it might not always be factual or correct.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Is a Hypothesis always proven true?
No, a Hypothesis can be either validated or invalidated based on evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can an argument have multiple Premises?
Yes, an argument can have multiple Premises leading to a conclusion.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
What happens if a Hypothesis is proven wrong?
If a Hypothesis is proven wrong, it's either modified or discarded, and new hypotheses may be proposed.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
How does a Premise differ from a conclusion?
A Premise is a foundational statement, while a conclusion is a derived outcome based on the Premise or Premises.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Can one research project have multiple hypotheses?
Yes, a research project can involve testing multiple related or independent hypotheses.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Is a Hypothesis a definitive statement?
No, a Hypothesis is a tentative statement subject to testing and validation.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
How is a Hypothesis tested?
A Hypothesis is tested through experiments, observations, or relevant research methods.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Why is understanding the Premise crucial in a debate?
Understanding the Premise ensures clarity in arguments and helps in addressing the core issue.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Can a story or film have more than one Premise?
Yes, a story or film can explore multiple themes or Premises.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
What follows after testing a Hypothesis?
After testing, a Hypothesis is either accepted, rejected, or refined based on results.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Is it necessary for a Hypothesis to be original?
While originality is valued, a Hypothesis can also build upon or challenge existing ideas.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Are Premises only used in formal arguments?
No, Premises can be part of both formal and informal reasoning or discussions.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Can a flawed Premise lead to a valid conclusion?
A flawed Premise can lead to an invalid conclusion, but in some cases, the conclusion might accidentally be correct.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Is a Hypothesis the same as a theory?
No, a Hypothesis is a testable prediction, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Are hypotheses only for scientific inquiries?
While commonly used in science, hypotheses can also be used in other fields like economics or social studies.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
