What is a Claim of Value?
A claim of value argues whether something is good or bad, right or wrong, beautiful or ugly, etc. It expresses a subjective opinion, often based on personal beliefs, morals, or aesthetics.
Example:
* Claim of Value: "Video games are an art form."
Why this is a claim of value:
* Subjective: Whether video games are art is a matter of opinion. There's no objective, scientific way to prove it.
* Evaluative: The statement expresses a judgment ("are an art form") which implies that video games possess qualities that make them worthy of being considered art.
Other Examples of Claims of Value:
* "The death penalty is morally wrong."
* "Classical music is superior to pop music."
* "Veganism is the most ethical way of life."
Key Points to Remember:
* Focus on judgment: Claims of value always involve a statement of personal preference or a moral/aesthetic evaluation.
* Support with reasons: While subjective, a claim of value should be supported with reasons and evidence that justify the opinion. For example, you might argue that video games demonstrate creative storytelling, complex design, and emotional impact, which are characteristics of art.
Let me know if you'd like to explore more examples or discuss how to build a strong argument based on a claim of value!