Types of Claims

1. Types of Claims Adapted by Mrs. Shoulders

2. Factual Claims • Facts that define, classify, or make inferences about the past, present, or future. • Types • Historical • Causal Connections • Predictive • Proof Requirements • Reliable authority • Accurate and recent data • Clearly defined terms

3. Example: Claim of Fact • Although it was largely forgotten, the flu epidemic of 1918-1919 was one of the most devastating epidemics of all time.

4. Value Claims • Makes an assertion of the worth or merit of an idea; a judgment. • Proof Requirements: • Need criteria that defines the value. • Decide the advantage of your value. • Use examples to help understand abstract ideas. • Use credible authorities for support

5. Example: Claim of Value • The hunting of animals is a barbaric practice.

6. Policy Claims • Involves an action that should be changed and followed. • Proof Requirements: • Action should be clear. • Explain the need for action. • Create a plan for the change. • Explain the advantages of the change. • Consider counter arguments (opposition to the change.)

7. Example: Claim of Policy • The death penalty should be abolished because it does nothing to prevent murder.

8. Citations • http://courses.washington.edu/spcmu/334/types.html • http://department.monm.edu/cata/McGaan/Classes/cata335/O-claims.335.html • http://faculty.mc3.edu/rdgreenw/argumentation/sld012.htm • http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1918_flu_in_Oakland.jpg • http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bobcat_having_caught_a_rabbit.jpg • http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tombstone_courthouse_gallows.jpg