claim

A claim is a statement asserting that something is the case. It is a proposition that may be true or false and often functions as the central assertion in an argument or discussion. Claims can address facts, values, or policies, and they are typically supported by evidence and reasoning rather than by assertion alone.

In logic and rhetoric, a claim is the main point an argument tries to establish. Claims can be factual (describing how the world is), value-based (judging how things ought to be), or policy-oriented (advocating a course of action). They require support, such as data, examples, or expert testimony, and they rely on warrants that connect the evidence to the claim. Effective arguing anticipates counterclaims and offers rebuttals, while the strength of a claim depends on the quality and relevance of its supporting material and the standards of the relevant field.

In legal and administrative contexts, a claim refers to a demand for relief or remedy. A claimant is the person or party asserting a right or seeking compensation, and the claim sets into motion procedures such as filings, investigations, and adjudication. In civil law, claims may seek damages, specific performance, or other relief. In insurance, a claim is a request for payment under a policy, subject to verification, adjustment, and possible denial if coverage conditions are not met.

In scientific and scholarly work, a claim typically represents a hypothesis or conclusion that must be tested, corroborated, or replicated. Distinguishing between a claim and the evidence supporting it is essential for credible argument and rigorous inquiry.