As a definition, persuasion refers to advice or urging by another person, usually through "argument, entreaty or expostulation" with the result being a change in one's position or course of action (Mish, 1991, p. 878). Thus, persuasion is an act or process aimed at convincing a person that another belief or practice is better and superior to the belief or practice currently held or believed.

             Propaganda:.

             In contrast, propaganda, originally used to propagate a religious faith, concerns the "spreading of ideas and information or rumors for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause or a person." It also is used to spread "ideas, facts or allegations deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause" (Mish, 1991, p. 42), much like the propaganda utilized by the Nazis in Germany before World War II to spread their political/social ideas on culture, race and philosophy.

             Contrasts/Comparisons:.

             Thus, persuasion and propaganda are similar in regard to attempting to change a person's mind through argument or expostulation, being to use reason earnestly with a person for the purpose of dissuasion. However, propaganda usually entails the notion to deceive, meaning that the person presenting the propaganda has ulterior motives, either for personal gain or to destroy the reputation of another person or institution. Propaganda also involves the dissemination of lies and rumors with the overall aim being to erode the truth and replace it with falsehoods. A prime example is the propaganda used by Adolph Hitler to dissuade the German people from believing in cherished traditions related to religion and ethnicity. To sum up, persuasion is akin to argument, while propaganda is more closely related to an act designed to mislead.