1. TYPES OF CLAIMS

2. CLAIM OF FACT An assertion that something was, is, or will be the case.

3. Which statement is a claim of fact? Giving some students extra credit and not others is morally wrong. Ms. Glaum rarely gives extra credit. Since no one in the class has a 100%, Ms. Glaum should offer extra credit opportunities at the end of the semester.

4. CLAIM OF POLICY An assertion that a course of action should be taken.

5. Which statement is a claim of policy? Several studies have found a strong relationship between college grade point average and graduates’ salaries. Researchers Jones and Jackson find that one extra point of grade point average is associated with 8.5 percent higher wages five years after graduation Since students often need extrinsic motivation, attendance in all university classes should be mandatory. Since students are paying for college, requiring perfect attendance in any university class is immoral.

6. CLAIM OF VALUE An assertion that something is morally good or morally bad.

7. Which statement is a claim of value? The number of V.C.U. athletic scholarships awarded to men and women should be made proportionate to the revenues of their respective sports. The number of V.C.U. athletic scholarships awarded to women is disproportionate to the number of men, when compared to the student body as a whole. The disproportion in the number of V.C.U. athletic scholarships awarded to men and women is discriminatory and immoral.

8. LOOK AT YOUR ETHICAL THESIS… What type of claim should you be using?