Which claim type involves a judgment or evaluation?

The claim type that involves a judgment or evaluation is the value claim. Value claims assert the worth or desirability of something, typically expressing an opinion on what is good, bad, right, or wrong. These claims are based on individual beliefs and cultural norms, and they are often subjective. For example, saying "Separation of church and state is essential for a functioning democracy" evaluates the importance of that concept based on values related to governance and religion.

In contrast, fact claims present statements that can be proven true or false through evidence, such as "Climate change is caused by human activity." Definition claims focus on the meaning of a term or concept, seeking to clarify how something is categorized or understood. Lastly, policy claims suggest actions that should be taken, often arguing for or against specific measures, such as "The government should implement stricter environmental protections." Each of these claim types has its function in debate, but when it comes to making a normative judgment, the value claim stands out as the one that engages with evaluative language and criteria.