Skip to content
Free public beta until December 4, 2026: every course is open, no card needed. After that, the first chapter of each course stays free and full access is a one-time $39 ($19 for up to 100 founding members chosen for helpful feedback). Your progress is kept. How the beta works

missing premise

An unstated claim an argument needs in order to work.

A missing premise is a premise the arguer relies on but doesn't state. The right one to supply is the most plausible claim that closes the gap between the stated premises and the conclusion: the one whose falsity would sink the argument.

Examples

  • "The store is closed, so we can't buy milk tonight" needs "no other store is open."

See also

enthymeme principle of charity
Read the full section →