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.”
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 by evoking fear, sympathy, empathy, and/or 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.
Statistics and expert testimony are convincing logical appeals.
Through his use of scientific diction, the author builds his ethos by demonstrating expertise.
The author develops her ethos by demonstrating to readers that she 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 emotional appeal.