Warrant

Definition

A warrant is a logical connection that justifies the link between a claim and the supporting evidence in persuasive arguments. It serves as the underlying reason why the evidence presented supports the claim, helping to strengthen the overall argument by providing clarity and credibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Warrants help clarify how and why certain evidence is relevant to the claim being made, making arguments more persuasive and effective.
2. In persuasive writing, a well-articulated warrant can significantly enhance the credibility of the argument by explicitly showing the relationship between claims and evidence.
3. Different types of warrants exist, including authoritative warrants (based on expert opinion) and substantive warrants (based on factual evidence), each serving to strengthen arguments in unique ways.
4. Effective persuasive arguments often require multiple warrants to fully support complex claims, demonstrating that they are well-reasoned and thoughtfully constructed.
5. A weak or unclear warrant can undermine an argument, making it essential for writers and speakers to clearly articulate their reasoning to maintain audience engagement and trust.

Review Questions

• How does a warrant function within an argumentative framework, and why is it crucial for establishing credibility?
  • A warrant functions as the logical link that explains how the evidence supports the claim in an argument. By articulating this connection, a warrant enhances credibility because it shows the audience that there is a rational basis for accepting the claim based on the provided evidence. Without a clear warrant, even strong evidence may fail to convincingly support a claim, leaving the audience skeptical of its validity.
• In what ways can different types of warrants contribute to the strength of a persuasive argument?
  • Different types of warrants, such as authoritative and substantive warrants, contribute uniquely to persuasive arguments. Authoritative warrants leverage expert opinions or established sources to reinforce claims, while substantive warrants rely on concrete facts and data. By using a mix of these warrants, an argument becomes more robust and appealing to various audiences, allowing for a more comprehensive approach that addresses differing perspectives and expectations.
• Evaluate how unclear or weak warrants can impact the effectiveness of persuasive communication and suggest strategies to improve them.
  • Unclear or weak warrants can severely diminish the effectiveness of persuasive communication by leaving gaps in logic and making it difficult for audiences to see how evidence supports claims. This may lead to misunderstandings or skepticism towards the argument. To improve warrants, communicators should focus on clearly articulating their reasoning, using specific examples and credible sources to back up their claims. Additionally, soliciting feedback from peers can help identify areas where warrants may need strengthening or clarification.

Related terms

Claim: A statement or assertion that something is true, often serving as the main argument in persuasive communication.

Evidence: The facts, statistics, or examples used to support a claim in an argument, providing proof to back up the assertion.

Backing: Additional support or justification provided for a warrant, often in the form of further evidence or reasoning that reinforces the validity of the connection between the claim and evidence.