Types of claims

Claims of fact Claims of fact assert that something is true or not true. Revolve around what exactly is “factual.” Facts become arguable when they are questions, when they raise controversy, when they challenge people’s beliefs. Whenever you are evaluating or writing an argument of fact, it is important to approach your subject with a healthy skepticism. We commonly see arguments of fact that challenge stereotypes or social beliefs.

Claims of value Argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable. Claims of value may be judgments based on taste, or they may be more objective evaluations based on external criteria. Example: if you argue that Brad Pitt is the best leading man in Hollywood that is simply a matter of taste. The criteria for what is “best” And what defines a “leading man” are strictly personal. Another person could argue that while Pitt might be the best-looking actor in Hollywood, Leonardo DiCaprio is more highly paid and his movies tend to make more money. That is an evaluation based on external criteria – dollars and cents. To develop an argument from a claim of value, you must establish specific criteria or standards and then show to what extent the subject meets your criteria.

Assignment: Read the Star Wars review by Roger Ebert. This was written in 1977 about the first Star Wars movie. He raved about it! Highlight or underline the criteria he sets up for his evaluation. Find a review of a movie, a t.v. show, a concert, an album or a song, or another form of pop culture Identify the claim in the review. What criteria does the review use to justify a “thumbs-up” or “thumbs-down?”