Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

The Art of Argumentation

Is it persuasive? Whenever you read an argument, you must ask

yourself, “Is this persuasive? And if so, to whom?” There are several ways to appeal to an audience.

Among the ways to appeal to an audience are appealing to logos, ethos, and pathos.

These appeals are prevalent in almost all arguments.

Logos – appeal to logic Using theories (i.e., Theory of Relativity; Theory

of Evolution) Literary and historical allusions Definitions Factual data and statistics Quotations Citations from experts and authorities Informed opinions

The Effect of Logos

Evokes a cognitive, rational response

Ethos – developing trustworthiness of the speaker/writer

An effective persuasive strategy – we are willing to listen when we believe the speaker/writer won’t do us harm

Ex: When a doctor gives you medical advice, you may not understand all that he is talking about, but you listen and follow his advice because you believe he knows what he is talking about.

Ethos in writing Language appropriate to audience and

subject Restrained, sincere, fair-minded

presentation Appropriate level of vocabulary Correct grammar

The Effect of Ethos

Demonstrates author or speaker’s reliability, competence, and respect for the audience’s ideas and values through reliable and appropriate use of support and general accuracy

Pathos – appeal to emotion Related to the words – pathetic, sympathy, and

empathy When you accept a claim based on how it makes

you feel without fully analyzing the rationale, you are acting on pathos.

Emotions: love, fear, patriotism, guilt, hate, or joy Most persuasive speeches are heavily dependant

upon pathos appeals.

Pathos – appeal to emotion The more people react without full

consideration for the WHY, the more effective a persuasive speech can be.

The pathetic appeal can be manipulative – the cornerstone of moving people to action.

Appeals to pathos touch a nerve and compel people to not only listen but also take a step and act.

Pathos – appeal to emotion Emotionally loaded language Connotative meanings Emotional examples Vivid descriptions Narratives of emotional events Emotional tone Figurative language

The Effect of Pathos

Evokes an emotional response