PHI 216 Module 1

What is a Claim?

A claim is a statement/assertive sentence, that is either true or false. The terms “claim”, “statement”, and “judgement”, are often used interchangeably.

*A sentence does not have to be true in order to be a claim.

Examples of a Claim

• It is immoral to eat french fries.

• Hobbits are especially fond of french fries.

• The largest french fry ever made was over 2 pounds.

(Types of Claims) What is a Definitional Claim?

A definitional claim is a statement that asserts the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept.

*A definitional claim does not have to be true, the asserted meaning of a word can be wrong.

(Definitional claims are their own category, even though they do not express any values and are non-evaluative in that sense)

Examples of a Definitional Claim

• A caboodle is a collection of things.

• A dog is a four-footed animal.

(Types of claims) What is an Evaluative Claim?

An evaluative claim is a statement about what is good or bad/ right or wrong/what should or should not be done.

*Evaluative claims can also fall into the category of Comparative Claims that assert that something is better or worse than something else.

*Evaluative claims can also fall into the category of Superlative Claims that assert that something is the absolute best/worst out of everything else/all other options.

(Evaluative claims can be about what the right actions or policies are, personal taste, moral/ethical matters, aesthetic matters.) (They are not the same as opinion claims)

Words that Indicate an Evaluative Claim

• “should”

• “ought”

*However, not every evaluative claim contains these indicator words.

(Types of claims) What is a Non-evaluative Claim?

A non-evaluative claim asserts something to be factual, and does not express the values of the person making it. It says nothing about what is good or bad/should or should not be done.

*A non-evaluative claim does not have to be true.

*Non-evaluative claims can also express uncertainty/the probability of an outcome. As long as it isn’t saying whats good or bad/should or shouldn’t be done, it’s non-evaluative.

Examples of Non-evaluative Claims

• God exists.

• It might rain tomorrow.

• Frodo is a hobbit.

• Sugar tastes sweet.

• The Pittsburgh Pirates will win the next three World Series.

• 2+3=5

How to distinguish the types of claims?

Step 1: Determine whether or not the claim is evaluative.

Step 2: If it is not evaluative, determine whether or not the claim is definitional or non-evaluative.

What is an Argument?

An argument is a claim that is accompanied by supporting evidence/reasoning (“premises”).