A "premise" is the foundational idea or statement that supports an argument or theory. It serves as the starting point for reasoning and helps to establish the context for a discussion. For example, in a debate about climate change, a premise might be that human activities contribute to global warming. This statement sets the stage for further arguments and evidence. In storytelling, a premise outlines the main concept or situation that drives the plot. For instance, the premise of the movie Inception revolves around the idea of entering dreams to plant ideas in someone's mind. This central concept guides the narrative and shapes the characters' actions throughout the film.