Argument and Persuasion are two very popular terms used in the English language. These are two integral approaches to any conversation.
Human beings are social animals. They tend to talk things out from time to time. A conversation is made up of various parts. Sometimes conversations rely on logic and evidence and sometimes they rely on feelings and emotions. Among the talks that they have, two important ways or methods of communicating are argument and persuasion.
Both these terms involve completely different approaches to a conversation. The motive of the two is different. Both are a result of two different approaches. Other than being important ways of conversation there isn’t anything much in common that they have.
Argument vs Persuasion
The main difference between an argument and persuasion is that argument first looks at both sides of an issue and then forms its opinion based on the evidence from both sides. It relies on logic and evidence. On the other hand, persuasion looks at one particular side of an issue and wants others to also look at the same side. It relies on emotions and feelings.
Comparison Table Between Argument and Persuasion
| Parameter of Comparison | Argument | Persuasion |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | An argument is a kind of conversation or discussion wherein two or more people disagree, to prove a point. | Persuasion is a kind of conversation which involves the act of convincing someone to do or believe something. |
| Relies on | An argument relies on evidence and logic. | Persuasion relies on feelings and emotions. |
| Tone | The tone of an argument is an aggressive one. | The tone of persuasion is calmer. |
| Purpose | The purpose of an argument is to ensure that other people recognise one’s side as the most valid and appropriate one. | The purpose of persuasion is to ensure that other people agree with one’s opinion. It tries to convince people to believe in one’s side. |
| Presents | An argument presents multiple sides to an issue. | Persuasion presents one particular side of an issue. |
| Claims | Claims made in an argument are based on actual factual evidence. | Claims made in persuasion are based on one’s personal opinion. |
| Example | “Charles and I had an argument over which is the best city to live in.” | “Charles persuaded me that Mumbai is the best city to live in”. |
What is Argument?
An argument is a part of a conversation or a discussion wherein two or more people disagree in order to prove a point. It is often done in anger.
Arguments make use of a reason or various reasons to prove that a particular view or opinion is accurate or true. The main purpose of it is to show the other people that a specific view is correct or to establish a particular view. It gives reasons for or against any particular subject under discussion. It aims to give recognition to one’s side of the story and prove the validity of the side of the story.
Arguments rely on logic and factual evidence. All claims made during an argument are made keeping in mind facts, reasons comparison, logic and so on.
Arguments are always based on logic. They tend to keep in consideration the opposite views and
opinions as well. Quite a few times, arguments tend to compare the ideas and views to prove a point. They present the various sides to a story while focusing on one particular side.
The tone of an argument is an aggressive one.
What is Persuasion?
Persuasion is a part of a conversation which involves the process of convincing someone to believe in something or to convince someone to do something. It is done by bringing forth ideas, beliefs or opinions.
The main purpose of persuasion is to change or motivate the audience. It aims to convince the audience to agree upon a particular idea or to take a particular course of action.
Persuasion relies on emotions and feelings. All claims made during persuasion are dependent on a person’s personal opinions, beliefs or experiences. They aim to convince the audience that a particular view is right.
Persuasion does not take into consideration any kind of counterclaims or any pieces of evidence. In persuasion, only those views are presented, that help in building a position.
Main Differences Between Argument and Persuasion
- An argument is a kind of discussion where two or more people disagree to prove a particular point whereas persuasion is a kind of discussion wherein people convince others to believe in something or to do something.
- An argument relies on logic and evidence whereas persuasion is dependent on a persons’ feelings or emotions.
- The main motive of an argument is to show someone that something is true or correct. On the other hand, the main motive of persuasion is to convince someone to believe something or to do something.
- Arguments use factual evidence to make claims whereas persuasion uses personal opinions to make claims.
- An argument discuses opposing views as well whereas persuasion does not do so.
- An argument uses an aggressive tone whereas persuasion uses a calmer tone.
Conclusion
Having seen in detail both the terms- argument and persuasion, it is easy to distinguish between the two terms.
Both argument and persuasion are important parts of a conversation. They both tend to establish a point. However, the approach of both is quite different.
An argument uses logic and evidence to prove what someone strongly believes and why does he believe so. It looks at both sides of an issue. On the other hand, persuasion makes use of personal opinions and emotions to change the mindset of another person. It focuses on one particular side.
An example of an argument is the articles in a magazine. Articles in a magazine try to prove a particular point of view, using examples as evidence.
An example of persuasion is advertisements. Advertisements aim to change the mindset of an individual by convincing them to act favorably towards a particular product or service.
References
- https://www.uni-muenster.de/imperia/md/content/psyifp/aeechterhoff/wintersemester2011-12/attitudesandsocialjudgment/petty_cacioppo_goldman_1981_jpsp.pdf
- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF00128148.pdf