Why is it important for evidence to have relevance in an argument?

Relevance in evidence is crucial because it directly supports the argument's conclusion by providing a solid foundation for the claims being made. When evidence is relevant, it clearly ties back to the main points of the argument, thereby enhancing the credibility and persuasiveness of the overall discussion. This connection allows the audience to see how the evidence substantiates the argument, strengthening the case being presented.

For example, in a debate about climate change, citing scientific studies that show increasing global temperatures due to human activity would be relevant evidence that directly supports the claim that human actions influence climate. Without this relevance, even strong evidence may not effectively contribute to convincing the audience of the argument's validity.

In contrast, while simplicity and audience interest are important, they do not have the same direct impact on the strength of the argument as relevance does. Traditional views may provide historical context but do not inherently support current claims without relevant evidence. Thus, the focus on relevance is indispensable for effective argumentation.