👉 Burden of proof is a concept in logic and argumentation theory that refers to the responsibility or obligation placed on a party making a claim to provide sufficient evidence or reasoning to justify that claim. In simpler terms, it means that when someone asserts something as true, they must also demonstrate why it is true beyond a reasonable doubt. This principle ensures that claims are not accepted without adequate support, promoting critical thinking and preventing unfounded assertions. For example, in a legal context, the burden of proof typically lies with the prosecution to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, not the defendant to prove innocence.
