CLAIMS Identifying the arguer’s point

Claims A claim is the point an arguer is trying to make. The claim is the conclusion, proposition, or assertion an arguer wants another to accept. The claim answers the question, "So what is your point?” You should send a birthday card to Mimi –example: “You should send a birthday card to Mimi, because she sent you one on your birthday.” this time it’s your turn to drive –example: “I drove last time, so this time it’s your turn to drive.” there will be six more weeks of winter.” –example: “Because the groundhog saw his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.”

Clue words for identifying claims Claims often follow words such as “therefore,” “thus,” and “hence” –example:” Ned is conservative, therefore he tends to vote for John McCain.” –example: “There are newspapers in the Boswell’s driveway, thus they are probably out of town this weekend.” –example: “The car’s engine is still warm, hence it must have been driven recently.”

More clue words for identifying claims We conclude that… Results indicate… Consequently… So… In short… It follows that… Shows that… Indicates that… Suggests that… It should be clear that… We may deduce that… Points to… The point I’m trying to make is… The most obvious explanation is… It is highly probably that… Proves that… The truth of the matter is…

More about claims... There are four basic types of claims: fact: claims which focus on empirically verifiable phenomena judgment/value: claims involving opinions, attitudes, and subjective evaluations of things policy: claims advocating courses of action that should be undertaken definition or classification: claims about categorization and classification

Factual claims Empirically verifiable—ultimately there is a correct answer somewhere The arguers may not be able to prove the correct answer –example: “More than 300 innocent people have been executed in the United States.” An arguer is making a factual claim even if the arguer has the facts wrong –example: “Dr. Gass is 6’4” tall. Facts may involve the past, present, or future –example: “California’s Hispanic population will more than double over the next 10 years.”

Judgment or Value claims Involve matters of taste, opinion, attitudes –example: “Torture is wrong.” Always carry an evaluative dimension: positive vs. negative good versus bad right vs. wrong Not all opinions are equally good –example: “Norbit was the best movie of 2007.”

Policy advocates what should be done example: “there oughta be a law…” example: “You should change your motor oil every 4,000 miles.” Requires someone to take a specific course of action an individual a legislature a court should ≠ would

definition advocates a specific definition or interpretation of a concept –example: “Tiger Woods is African-American.” often necessary to define key concepts prior to arguing claims of fact, value, or policy –example: “Rich people should pay higher taxes.” What constitutes “rich”? often centers on what category or classification is most appropriate