Warrant

Definition

A warrant is a statement that connects the evidence provided to the claim being made, explaining why the evidence supports that claim. It serves as the underlying reasoning that justifies an argument, making the link between what is being claimed and the supporting information clearer to the audience. A strong warrant enhances the credibility of an argument and helps persuade the audience by clearly articulating the relationship between the evidence and the claim.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A well-constructed warrant clarifies how specific pieces of evidence relate directly to a claim, reinforcing the argument's overall effectiveness.
2. Warrants can vary in strength depending on how clearly they explain the relationship between evidence and claims; stronger warrants lead to more persuasive arguments.
3. In argumentative writing, it is crucial to explicitly state warrants, especially when dealing with complex topics where assumptions may not be obvious.
4. Warrants are not just logical connectors; they also appeal to shared values or beliefs of the audience, enhancing persuasion.
5. Understanding warrants helps in analyzing arguments critically, allowing one to assess whether claims are well-supported by the presented evidence.

Review Questions

• How does a warrant function within an argument, and why is it essential for linking evidence to claims?
  • A warrant functions as a crucial bridge in an argument by providing the reasoning that connects evidence to claims. It explains why the evidence supports a particular claim, making the argument more coherent and persuasive. Without a clear warrant, even strong evidence may fail to convince the audience because they might not understand how it relates to the claim being made.
• Discuss how different types of warrants can affect the persuasiveness of an argument.
  • Different types of warrants can significantly influence how persuasive an argument is perceived to be. For instance, if a warrant appeals to widely held beliefs or values of the audience, it can enhance credibility and acceptance of the claim. Conversely, if a warrant is based on assumptions that are not shared by the audience or are logically weak, it can undermine the effectiveness of the argument and lead to skepticism.
• Evaluate the importance of clearly articulating warrants when constructing an argumentative piece, considering potential implications for both writers and audiences.
  • Clearly articulating warrants in argumentative writing is essential because it ensures that audiences understand the rationale behind claims being made. When warrants are explicitly stated, writers can better engage their audience and reduce misunderstandings. This clarity also enables audiences to evaluate arguments more effectively and fosters critical thinking about the validity of claims. The implications extend beyond individual arguments; fostering a culture of transparent reasoning can lead to more informed public discourse overall.

Related terms

Claim:

A claim is an assertion or proposition put forward in an argument, which requires support through evidence and reasoning.

Evidence: Evidence consists of facts, data, or information that are used to support a claim within an argument.

Reasoning:

Reasoning refers to the logical thought process that connects evidence to claims, helping to justify why the evidence is relevant and sufficient.