What is the Difference Between Argument and Persuasion?

The main difference between argument and persuasion lies in their approach and the emotional appeal they use to convince their audience. Here are the key differences:

1. Approach: Argument uses logic, evidence, and reasoning to make a case for a specific claim, while persuasion appeals to emotions and personal beliefs to influence the audience's opinion or behavior.
2. Goal: The goal of argumentative writing is to get the reader to acknowledge that your side is valid and deserves consideration as another point of view. In contrast, persuasive writing aims to change the reader's opinion or belief and is based on personal conviction.
3. Viewpoints: Argumentative writing presents multiple perspectives, with the writer clearly supporting one side, acknowledging that opposing views exist. Persuasive writing, on the other hand, presents one side only and often quickly dismisses or refutes opposing points.
4. Emotional Appeal: Argumentative writing de-emphasizes emotions and focuses on logic and evidence. Persuasive writing, however, actively appeals to readers' emotions to make them believe something or take specific action.
5. Audience: Argumentative writing does not need an audience to convince, as the writer is content with presenting a valid perspective. Persuasive writing requires an intended audience, with the writer knowing what they think and believe, and "attacking" to persuade them to their side.

In summary, argument relies on logic, evidence, and multiple perspectives to convince its audience, while persuasion uses emotional appeal, personal conviction, and one-sided views to influence the audience's opinion or behavior.

Comparative Table: Argument vs Persuasion

Here is a table highlighting the differences between argument and persuasion:

In summary, argumentative writing focuses on presenting a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence and logic, while persuasive writing is more emotion-based and aims to convince the reader to adopt the writer's opinion.