Evaluating Claims and Assertions

Claims and Assertions

• A claim or assertion is a statement that someone believes is true.
• The phrase "supposedly true" is used to acknowledge that a claim might not be accurate and needs further evaluation.
• Not all claims are true because of factors like:
  • Mistakes: Errors in observation, reasoning, or information gathering.
  • Misrepresentation: Intentional or unintentional distortions of facts.
  • Bias: Personal beliefs or preferences influencing judgment.
  • Lack of evidence: Insufficient or unreliable support for the claim.

Evaluating Claims

• In the absence of certainty, the best evaluation we can give a claim is to determine its warrant.
• A warranted claim is supported by evidence and reasoning that make it plausible.
• The term "warrant" refers to the justification for believing a claim. It involves evaluating the evidence, reasoning, and potential biases related to the claim.

The Importance of Warrants

• Evaluating claims based on warrants helps us distinguish between credible and unreliable information.
• It encourages critical thinking and encourages examining the basis for our beliefs.
• When evaluating a claim, consider:
  • The source of the claim and their credibility
  • The type and quality of evidence presented
  • The reasoning used to support the claim
  • Potential biases or motivations that might influence the claim.

Test your critical thinking skills by evaluating claims, assertions, and statements. Determine whether they are true, false, deliberate lies, or based on mistaken beliefs.