Understanding Claims

Understanding the Claimby Michael Acosta

Claim

• It is the focus of an argument. What the arguer is trying to get across.

• It is a statement and not a question. No grey area, either for or against the subject.

• It is against the status quo. Not necessarily the minority, but against the current rule or policy.

Types of Claims

Claim of fact

Claim of value

Claim of policy

Claim of Fact

Require sufficient and appropriate data.

States that something has, does or will exist.

Claim of Value

Claiming that something is good or bad or better than another.

Entails morality and opinion.

Claim of Policy

Asserts that something should or should not be done by someone about something.

Usually include the word should or must.

Same Claim

Both sides debate the same claim.

The pro side argues for acceptance

The con side argues for rejection

No new claim is introduced

Debate Environments

Scholarly Debate

Religious Debate

Political Debate

Business Debate

Legal Debate

Educational Debate

Social Debate

Argumentative Burdens

Affirmative side

-Wants the status quo to be changed

-In favor of the claim

Argumentative Burdens

Negative Side

-Wants to maintain the current system

-Considered defense attorney in a court case