Debate Important Terms and Basic Definitions: CLAIMS

An Argument An Argument is a set of statements in which claims (premises) are given to support a main claim (conclusion). Support is offered for each premise so that the conclusion is arrived at soundly. This is done in an attempt to influence someone.

CLAIM A Claim is an expressed statement that the arguer wants accepted. For example: Syria will continue to use chemical weapons if not forced to stop.

SUPPORT Support consists of facts or conditions that are objectively observable, beliefs or premises generally accepted as true by the audience, or conclusions previously established. For example: The Iranians are using advanced centrifuges to make enriched plutonium.

SUPPORT Support is evidence when it is accepted by all parties; otherwise it is disputed and becomes another claim.

REASONING Reasoning constructs a bridge from the evidence to the claim and authorizes the step we take when we draw a conclusion.

Types of Claims There are three types of claims: Claims of Fact Claims of Value Claims of Policy

Factual Claims First, before we look at a definition, it is important to note that there is a difference between a “fact” and a “claim of fact.” Remember, a claim is an opinion … and therefore debatable

while, a Fact is … 1. something that actually exists; reality; truth (ex: There is a U.S. flag in the classroom.) 2. something known to exist or to have happened (ex: Space travel is now a fact. ) 3. a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true (ex: Scientists gather facts about plant growth. ) And thus, not open for debate.

Factual Claims Claims of Fact make inferences* about past, present or future conditions or relationships. *Inference a.The act or process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true. b. The act of reasoning from factual knowledge or evidence.

There are 3 types of Factual Claims: Claim of Historical Fact Claim of Predictive Fact Relational Claim of Fact

Claim of Historical Fact Makes some sort of claim about the past F or example: Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating President Kennedy.

Claim of Predictive Fact Makes a claim about trends or relationships in the future. For example: Our economy is headed for a recovery.

Relational Claim Attempts to establish some kind of relationship in the present. F or example: Capital punishment deters crime. or Violence on TV causes children to act violently.

Value Claims Value claims assess the worth or merit of an idea, object or practice according to standards or criteria supplied by the arguer. For example: Capital punishment is beneficial to society. Degas’ paintings are beautiful. The new Clash of the Titans is an unsuccessful remake of the old.

Policy Claims Policy Claims call for a specific course of action and focus on whether a change in policy or behavior should take place. For example: King County should legalize prostitution. The US should invade North Korea. Will always have the word “should.”