Evaluating scholarly warrant through expert knowledge and hermeneutics: A methodological model

Vicente, Paulo; Johnston, Jamie; Terra, Ana Lúcia

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132980 Copy

Description

Title

Evaluating scholarly warrant through expert knowledge and hermeneutics: A methodological model

Author(s)

• Vicente, Paulo
• Johnston, Jamie
• Terra, Ana Lúcia

Issue Date

2026-03-12

Keyword(s)

• Classification theory
• Domain analysis
• Expert knowledge
• Hermeneutics
• Scholarly warrant

Abstract

Introduction. Epistemic structures evolve continually, requiring classification systems to adapt; warrants justify their content and form. Scholarly warrant, grounded in scientific consensus, aligns with the expert knowledge approach to domain analysis. Yet its practical application remains insufficiently clarified. Method. This study adopts a hermeneutic approach, combining literature search and review to explore scholarly warrant in domain analysis. Analysis. This research analyses: (i) concept of warrant and scholarly warrant in bibliographical classification theory; (ii) confluence of warrants and domain analysis for knowledge organisation systems; and (iii) methods—theory-generating expert interviews and hermeneutic analysis—used to advance a model to evaluate scholarly warrant in classification. No primary data are reported; the model outlines how empirical data could be collected and analysed in future. Results. The approach culminates in the Scholarly Warrant Analysis and Mapping Model (SWAMM), a framework integrating expert conceptualisations with hermeneutic interpretation to assess alignment of classification structures with disciplinary knowledge. Conclusion. SWAMM evaluates classification systems through epistemological, sociological, and critical-hermeneutic lenses, offering a nuanced domain-analytic approach. It grounds warrant mapping within domain analysis and clarifies epistemic structures informing classification. It contributes a theoretical framework and methodological tool for evaluating and refining such systems, and prepares for future applied studies.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2026 Proceedings

Type of Resource

Other

Genre of Resource

Conference Poster

Language

eng

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132980

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2026 is held by Paulo Vicente, Jamie Johnston, and Ana Lúcia Terra. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

Owning Collections