Final answer:
In deductive reasoning, the statement the audience accepts as true is known as a premise. These premises form the basis of a valid argument where if they are true, the conclusion must also be true, resulting in a valid inference.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deductive reasoning involves drawing specific conclusions from general principles or premises. In this context, the statement that the audience is likely to accept as true would be the premise or general principle from which the specific conclusion is derived. It serves as the foundational belief or accepted truth upon which the logical argument is built. For example, if presenting a deductive argument, the audience may be expected to accept a premise like "All humans are mortal." This is a widely acknowledged truth. From this premise, a specific conclusion can be drawn, such as "Socrates is human; therefore, Socrates is mortal." The acceptance of the initial premise is crucial for the validity of the deductive reasoning. The statement that the audience is expected to accept is the foundational truth upon which the logical structure rests.