Is Everything an Argument?

A Look at Argument, Persuasion, and Rhetoric

Argumentation-Persuasion Everyone has experience arguing- n  “Do it.”

“Why?” “Because I said so.”

n  “You can’t possibly expect me to believe what you are saying.” “Look, I know what I’m talking about, and that’s that.”

But- In writing or oration, it is using clear thinking and logic

to convince audience of the soundness of a particular opinion, especially on controversial topics.

Differences between… n  Argument- purpose to document objectively

to prove a point n  Persuasion- purpose to shake up readers

and motivate them to act

The two are usually combined because most people respond rationally and emotionally.

It’s not just words n  An argument can be any text (whether

written, spoken, or visual) that expresses a point of view.

Purpose of Argument

n Inform n Convince n Explore n Make

decisions

n Act (action) n Meditate

and pray n Think n Do

Elements of Argument:

n  Claims n  Data/Evidence n  Warrants n  Counter Claims n  The Appeals (logos, pathos, ethos), n  Fallacies

What is a claim? n  An arguable statement n  In effect, someone who offers an

argument for a position is making a claim, providing reasons to support that claim, and implying that the premises make it reasonable to accept the conclusion.

n  Other terms: argument, thesis

There are three types of claim n  Claims of fact assert that something is

true or not true. n  Claims of value assert that something is

good or bad, more or less desirable. n  Claims of policy assert that one course

of action is superior to another.

Data/Evidence n  Information gathered to support the

claim. n  Evidence can include data, experience,

observations, reading, etc.

Warrant (also referred to as a bridge)

n  Explanation of why or how the data supports the claim, the underlying assumption that connects data/evidence to the claim.

What is a Counter Claim n  The part of an argument in which a

speaker or writer counters opposing points of view.

n  It can also be referred as a counter argument or refutation.

n  The rebuttal is the evidence used to negate or disagree with the counter claim.

What is the claim?

What are the claims?

What is the claim?

What is the claim?

Logos, Ethos and Pathos

Aristotelian Appeals

Aristotle’s Three Ways to Persuade

Logos Ethos Pathos

Who is Aristotle? Aristotle (384-322 BCE) is the most notable product of the educational program devised by Plato. Aristotle wrote on an amazing range of subjects, from logic, philosophy, and ethics to physics, biology, psychology, politics, and rhetoric.

What is logos, ethos, and pathos? Logos = Logic Ethos = Ethics, Image Pathos = Emotions (Passion)

Logos, Ethos, Pathos Using logos, ethos, and pathos will help you to master the art of persuasion.

• Through language, you will be able to change the

point of view of others! • Through language, you will be able to motivate

others to take action!

Logos Logos is an argument based on facts,

evidence and reason. Using logos means appealing to the

readers’ sense of what is logical.

Logos

Logos Example

Unemployment Rates in California for the last 10 years

Ethos Ethos is an argument based on character. Using ethos means the writer or speaker

appeals to the audience’s sense of ethical behavior. The writer or speaker presents him or herself to the audience as credible, trustworthy, honest and ethical.

“I am an ethical expert, so believe what I say.”

Ethos Example:

n  Quote: “Changes in professional football are producing a faster, more pass-oriented game.”

n  Repertoire: NFL Quarterback and Champion

n  Why is Peyton Manning credible?

Ethos

Pathos Pathos = argument based on feelings Using pathos means appealing to

readers’ emotions and feelings.

Pathos Example: n  Advertisement for

wrinkle cream n  How does this

advertisement appeal to emotion? Why?

Pathos

What is this? Ethos,

Pathos, Logos?

Logos, Ethos, Pathos Think of Logos, Ethos, and Pathos as your Three Amigos http://www.tubechop.com/watch/6663687

Review Logos = logic

Logos is an argument based on facts, evidence and reason.

Using logos means

appealing to the readers’ sense of what is logical.

Review Ethos = Ethics / Image Ethos is an argument based on

character. The writer or speaker presents

him or herself to the reader as credible, trustworthy, honest and ethical.

Review Pathos = argument

based on feelings Using pathos means

appealing to readers’ emotions and feelings.

What is rhetoric? Rhetoric is the art of

persuasion and study of effective speaking and writing

The goal of persuasion is to change others’ point of view or to move others to take action.

Rhetoric is the study of effective speaking and writing. n  Rhetoric studies

the effectiveness of language comprehensively, including its emotional impact, as much as its propositional content.

n  Rhetoric is how language and thought work together

thinking

speaking

writing

Rhetorically Speaking…

You will argue using rhetorical

strategies

You will evaluate rhetorical strategies

Rhetorical strategies- n  Literary devices: symbolism, irony,

metaphor, imagery, alliteration, etc n  Language devices: syntax, repetition,

connotation, denotation, diction, etc n  Fallacies: scare tactics, bandwagon n  See http://humanities.byu.edu/rhetoric/

Silva.htm for many more…