Assertion vs. Reasoning

Attribute	Assertion	Reasoning
Definition	A statement or claim that is made based on personal belief or opinion.	A statement or explanation given to support or justify the assertion.
Form	Usually presented as a standalone statement.	Presented as a follow-up or explanation to the assertion.
Role	States a fact or belief.	Provides a rationale or evidence for the assertion.
Relationship	Can stand alone without a reasoning.	Dependent on the assertion for context and meaning.

Introduction

When it comes to making arguments or presenting a point of view, two common methods used are assertion and reasoning. Both have their own unique attributes and can be effective in different situations. In this article, we will compare the attributes of assertion and reasoning to understand their differences and similarities.

Assertion

Assertion is a statement made without providing any evidence or reasoning to support it. It is simply stating a belief or opinion as if it were a fact. Assertions are often used in persuasive writing or speaking to make a point or convince others of a particular viewpoint. While assertions can be powerful in conveying a message, they can also be seen as weak arguments if not backed up with evidence.

• Assertions are often used in advertising to make bold claims about a product's effectiveness.
• Politicians frequently use assertions to make promises or statements about their policies.
• Assertions can be effective in capturing the audience's attention and creating a strong emotional response.
• However, assertions can also be seen as lacking credibility if they are not supported by evidence or reasoning.
• It is important to use assertions carefully and back them up with facts or logic to make a convincing argument.

Reasoning

Reasoning, on the other hand, involves providing evidence, facts, or logical arguments to support a claim or statement. It is the process of using logic to reach a conclusion or make a persuasive argument. Reasoning is often seen as a stronger form of argumentation compared to assertion because it relies on evidence and logic rather than just stating an opinion. By using reasoning, one can build a more convincing and credible argument.

• Reasoning is commonly used in academic writing to support a thesis or hypothesis.
• Scientists use reasoning to explain their findings and support their theories.
• Reasoning can help to persuade others by presenting a logical and well-supported argument.
• However, reasoning can sometimes be complex and require careful analysis of evidence and logical connections.
• It is important to use reasoning effectively by presenting evidence in a clear and logical manner.

Comparison

While assertion and reasoning are both methods of making arguments, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Assertion relies on stating a belief or opinion without providing evidence, while reasoning involves using logic and evidence to support a claim. Assertion can be effective in capturing attention and creating an emotional response, but it may lack credibility if not backed up with evidence. Reasoning, on the other hand, is seen as a stronger form of argumentation because it relies on logic and evidence to make a persuasive case.

• Assertion is often used in persuasive writing or speaking to make a point or convince others of a particular viewpoint.
• Reasoning is commonly used in academic writing and scientific research to support claims and theories.
• Assertion can be powerful in capturing attention and creating an emotional response, but it may lack credibility without evidence.
• Reasoning is seen as a stronger form of argumentation because it relies on logic and evidence to support a claim.
• Both assertion and reasoning have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the effectiveness of each method depends on the context and audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, assertion and reasoning are two common methods of making arguments, each with its own unique attributes. Assertion involves stating a belief or opinion without providing evidence, while reasoning relies on logic and evidence to support a claim. While assertion can be effective in capturing attention and creating an emotional response, reasoning is seen as a stronger form of argumentation because it relies on evidence and logic. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between assertion and reasoning depends on the context and audience.