Logos, Ethos and Pathos

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 them are appealing to logos, ethos and pathos. 

These appeals are prevalent in almost all arguments.

Logos:

– The Greek word logos is the basis for the English word logic.   

– Logos refers to any attempt to appeal to the intellect, the general meaning of "logical argument." 

– Everyday arguments rely heavily on ethos and pathos, but academic arguments rely more on logos: there will be logical chains of reasoning supporting all claims.

Logos ExampleFew of our children breath

fresh air in their schools, which are being sprayed, inside and out, with millions of pounds of deadly, nervous system destroying pesticides.

What are the details provided in this claim?

Ethos: 

– Ethos is related to the English word ethics and refers to the trustworthiness of the speaker/writer. 

– Ethos is an effective persuasive strategy because when we believe that the speaker does not intend to do us harm, we are more willing to listen to what s/he has to say.

– When a judge comments on legal precedent audiences tend to listen because it is the job of a judge to know the nature of past legal cases.

Ethos Example:

• Product: George Foreman and his Grilling Machine

• Repertoire: Boxing Champ and a Preacher

• Why is George Foreman credible?

Pathos:

– Pathos is related to the words pathetic, sympathy and empathy. 

– Whenever you accept an claim based on how it makes you feel without fully analyzing the rationale behind the claim, you are acting on pathos. 

– They may be any emotions: love, fear, patriotism, guilt, hate or joy.

 

  – A majority of arguments in the

popular press are heavily dependent on pathetic appeals.  

– Appeals to pathos touch a nerve and compel people to not only listen, but to also take the next step and act in the world.

Pathos Example:

• How does this advertisement appeal to emotion? Why?

Ethos, Logos, PathosPARTNER WORK

• Ethos- ethical appeal & speaker’s credibility• Example: (Create your own appeal about why students

should or should not be allowed to use their I-Pods in the classroom)

• Logos- logical appeal/argument• Example: (Create your own appeal about why students

should or should not be allowed to use their I-Pods in the classroom)

• Pathos- emotional appeal• Example: (Create your own appeal about why students

should or should not be allowed to use their I-Pods in the classroom)

What are the types of Evidence?• 1. Personal Experience (anecdotes/stories)

• 2. Statistic/Reason/Fact

• 3. Allusion (historical reference)

• 4. Authority and or quotes ( expert information)

• 5. Examples and or quotes

• 6. Analogy (comparison…like a long simile)• 7. Hypothetical Situation (description of something)

• 8. Commentary (comments from author or others)

Types of Evidence Labels

PARTNER WORK

VISUAL ARGUMENT

SLIDE 1

COPY ON LEFT & RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

How do Americans feel about drinking?Slide 1

SLIDE 2

COPY ON LEFT & RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

Who is the audience? To what do these appeal? What type of argument is being used?Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5Slide 6

SLIDE 3RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

Who is the audience? To what do these appeal? What type of argument is being used?

SLIDE 4RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

Who is the audience? To what do these appeal? What type of argument is being used?

SLIDE 5RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

Who is the audience? To what do these appeal? What type of argument is being used?

SLIDE 6RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

Who is the audience? To what do these appeal? What type of argument is being used?

SLIDE 7COPY ON LEFT & RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

What do we associate with drinking?

Slide 7

SLIDE 8COPY ON LEFT & RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

What is happening here? What emotional impact do these have on the viewer?Slide 8Slide 9

SLIDE 9RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

What is happening here? What emotional impact do these have on the viewer?

SLIDE 10COPY ON LEFT & RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

What is a PSA? Which is more effective (respond after seeing both slides)?Slide 10Slide 11

SLIDE 11RESPOND ON THE RIGHT

What is a PSA? = Public Service Announcement Which is more effective? Why?

Examples

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb5yTanmi7A&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHMQEggEG4k&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoE5zaAjr8Q&feature=related