Anonymous A started this discussion 13 years ago#25,352
Aristotelian Appeals: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos
Whenever you read an argument you must ask yourself, “Is this persuasive? If so, why? And to whom?†There are many ways to appeal to an audience. Among them are appealing to logos, ethos, and pathos. These appeals are identifiable in almost all arguments.
To Appeal to LOGOS
(logic, reasoning)
To Develop or Appeal to ETHOS
(character, ethics)
To Appeal to PATHOS
(emotion)
: the argument itself; the reasoning the author uses;
logical evidence
: how an author builds credibility & trustworthiness
: words or passages an author uses to activate
emotions
Types of LOGOS Appeals
Ways to Develop ETHOS
Types of PATHOS Appeals
• Theories / scientific facts
• Indicated meanings or reasons
(because…)
• Literal or historical analogies
• Definitions
• Factual data & statistics
• Quotations
• Citations from experts & authorities
• Informed opinions
• Examples (real life examples)
• Personal anecdotes
• Author’s profession / background
• Author’s publication
• Appearing sincere, fair minded,
knowledgeable
• Conceding to opposition where
appropriate
• Morally / ethically likeable
• Appropriate language for audience and
subject
• Appropriate vocabulary
• Correct grammar
• Professional format
• Emotionally loaded language
• Vivid descriptions
• Emotional examples
• Anecdotes, testimonies, or narratives
about emotional experiences or events
• Figurative language
• Emotional tone (humor, sarcasm, disappointment, excitement, etc.)
Effect on Audience
Effect on Audience
Effect on Audience
Evokes a cognitive, rational response. Readers get a
sense of, “Oh, that makes sense†or “Hmm, that really
doesn’t prove anything.â€
Helps reader to see the author as reliable,
trustworthy, competent, and credible. The reader
might respect the author or his/her views.
Evokes an emotional response. Persuasion
by emotion.
(usually evoking fear, sympathy, empathy,
anger,)
How to Talk About It
How to Talk About It
How to Talk About It
The author appeals to logos by defining relevant
terms and then supports his claim with numerous
citations from authorities.
The author’s use of statistics and expert testimony
are very convincing logos appeals.
Through his use of scientific terminology, the
author builds his ethos by demonstrating expertise.
The author’s ethos is effectively developed as
readers see that he is sympathetic to the struggles
minorities face.
When referencing 9/11, the author is appealing
to pathos. Here, he is eliciting both sadness and
anger from his readers.
The author’s description of the child with cancer
was a very persuasive appeal to pathos.