Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Claim == Assertion?

We use them interchangeably in identity systems. Should we?

From Merriam-Webster

Claim: to assert in the face of possible contradiction.

Assert: to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively.

This is consistent with how I would use the two words in 'everyday' communication.

I see a claim as having an implied question mark at the end (e.g. "I am one darn good lover"); an assertion an exclamation mark (e.g. "You are one darn good lover").

1 comment:

~Socrates~ said...

Interesting... I often wondered. So the "darn good lover" as a claim is meant to inspire question for possible challenge while the assertion is meant to be a statement with no challenge?
hmm could the assertion be both a positive or negative statement i wonder...i.e. lack of belief or affirming a belief in somthing