Your textbook discusses the characteristics of scientific knowledge. It explains the problems associated with using "commonsense" or "casual" observations with verifiable claims. Consider the statements below. Which would you consider to be an empirical claim and which are normative statements? Are some vague and hard to tell? For the normative or vague statements, reword the statement into an empirical statement (it’s okay if the topic changes slightly since normative statements can be broad). Explain your answer.
1. The Democrats won a majority of seats in the US House of Representatives in the 2018 elections.
2. Liberals are bad for the country.
3. It is problematic that Republicans currently control the Senate.
4. Passing laws to outlaw guns will not be helpful because people will always find ways to kill each other.
5. Catholics are more likely to vote than Protestants.
6. All people are created equal.
7. People in Syria would be better off if they lived in a democratic society.
8. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right.
9. The average high school dropout has a lower income level than the average college graduate.
10. In the U.S., lifetime without parole is more cost effective than the death penalty.
11. There is no motivation to vote, because there are so many votes cast in an election that one vote will not make a difference in the outcome.
12. It is better for the economy for taxpayers to fund better student loan programs, because college graduates are more likely to vote and contribute to the economy.