Aristotelian Appeals: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos



Aristotle’s 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 logos, ethos, and pathos. These appeals are identifiable in almost all arguments.

| | | |

|To Appeal to LOGOS |To Develop or Appeal to ETHOS |To Appeal to PATHOS |

|(logic, reasoning) |(character, ethics) |(emotion/pity/selfishness) |

| | | |

|The argument itself; the reasoning the author uses; |How an author builds credibility & trustworthiness |Words or passages an author uses to activate emotions |

|logical evidence | | |

| | | |

|Types of LOGOS Appeals |Ways to Develop ETHOS |Types of PATHOS Appeals |

| | | |

|Theories / scientific facts |Author’s profession /background |Emotionally loaded language |

|Indicated meanings or reasons (because…) |Author’s publication (ex. NY Times) |Vivid descriptions |

|Literal or historical analogies |Appearing sincere, fair minded, knowledgeable |Emotional examples |

|Definitions |Conceding to opposition where appropriate |Anecdotes, testimonies, or narratives about |

|Factual data & statistics |Morally / ethically likeable |emotional experiences or events |

|Quotations |Appropriate language for audience and subject |Figurative language |

|Citations from experts & authorities |Appropriate vocabulary |Emotional tone (humor, sarcasm, |

|Informed opinions |Correct grammar |disappointment, excitement, etc.) |

|Examples (real life examples) |Professional format | |

|Personal anecdotes | | |

| | | |

|Effect on Audience |Effect on Audience |Effect on Audience |

| | | |

|Evokes a cognitive, rational response. Readers get |Helps reader to see the author as reliable, trustworthy, |Evokes an emotional response. Persuasion by emotion |

|a sense of, “Oh, that makes sense” or |competent, and credible. |Which usually evokes fear, sympathy, empathy, and/or |

|“Hmm, that really doesn’t prove anything.” | |anger. |

| | | |

|How to Talk About It |How to Talk About It |How to Talk About It |

| | | |

|The author appeals to logos by defining relevant |Through his use of scientific diction, the author |When referencing 9/11, the author is appealing to pathos. |

|terms and then supports his claim with numerous |builds his ethos by demonstrating expertise. |Here, he is eliciting both sadness and anger from his |

|citations from authorities. | |readers. |

| |The author develops her ethos by demonstrating to | |

|Statistics and expert testimony |readers that she is sympathetic to the struggles that |The author’s description of the child with cancer was a |

|are convincing logical appeals. |minority groups face. |very persuasive emotional appeal. |

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