What role do premises play in both simple and complex arguments?

Premises play a foundational role in both simple and complex arguments as they provide the underlying reasons or evidence that support the conclusion. The statements or propositions that constitute the premises are essential because they establish the framework upon which the argument is built. When premises are presented cohesively, they help to lead logically to the conclusion, thus enabling an audience to understand the rationale behind a particular viewpoint or claim.

In a simple argument, there may be just one or two premises that clearly support the conclusion, making it straightforward. In complex arguments, multiple premises may interact in various ways, yet their primary function remains the same: to substantiate the conclusion. Without premises, arguments would lack the necessary justification for the conclusions they assert, rendering them unconvincing or unsupported. Therefore, claiming that premises are optional or unrelated to conclusions fundamentally undermines the structure of logical reasoning.