What is a "warrant" in the context of an argument?

In the context of an argument, a "warrant" serves as the critical link between the evidence provided and the claim being made. It is a broader assumption or principle that explains why the evidence supports the claim. Warrants help to validate the reasoning process by making explicit the underlying reasoning that connects the claim with the evidence. This means that without a warrant, the argument may lack clarity or persuasive power, as the audience would not understand how the evidence is relevant to the claim.

In essence, a warrant provides the foundational logic that persuades the audience to accept the claim based on the evidence. This connection is essential for a robust argument, ensuring that the audience can see the logical progression from the evidence to the conclusion being drawn.