Transcript Argument: Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Argument:
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Mr. Dison
English 100
Introduction to Argument
All arguments must contain two
parts:
1. Claim
2. Support
(QA Chapter 5, pg. 84)
Introduction to Argument
CLAIM: States the issue and takes a
position on a debatable topic (usually
takes the form of a THESIS
STATEMENT in a written argument)
SUPPORT: Facts, evidence, reasons,
examples, etc. put together w/ logical
reasoning and critical thinking
Introduction to Argument
Develop and refine your thesis/argument.
Do this by asking yourself questions
about your chosen topic. (?)
Using precise language and establishing
a clear position will help both you and
your readers. (?)
STOP! QA Ex. 5-1, pg. 86
Introduction to Argument
Persuasive Appeals:
Ethos - Establishes the writer/speaker as
a credible/(ethical or moral) person.
Pathos - Appeals to an audience’s values
and beliefs through emotion/empathy.
Logos - The use of sound reasoning or
logic.
Examples
Ethos - “I am a husband, a father, and a
taxpayer. I have served on the school board
for 20 years. I deserve your vote for city
council.”
Such an appeal attempts to persuade by calling
attention to the writer’s/speaker’s character. It
says in effect: I’m a great person so you
should believe what I’m telling you. Ethos
does not concern the veracity of the
argument, only its appeal. (I am a credible
speaker.) (?)
Examples
Pathos - “ Government-run healthcare will
have ‘death squads’ to decide which citizens
will live and which will die.”
Such an appeal attempts to persuade by stirring
the emotions of the audience and attempts to
create any number of emotions like fear,
sadness, contentment, joy, and pride. Pathos
does not concern the veracity of the
argument, only its appeal. (QA pg. 88) (?)
Examples
Logos - “All humans are mortal. You are
a human. Therefore, you are mortal.”
This is called a syllogism. Logical
arguments take this form through the
use of rhetorical devices like process
analysis, comparison/contrast,
cause/effect, etc. (?)
Examples
Logos - “Some politicians are corrupt.
Therefore, Senator Jones may be corrupt.”
This is called an enthymeme. It is like a
syllogism but the conclusion is based on
inference rather than evidence. The syllogism
leads to a necessary conclusion from
universally true premises, and the
enthymeme leads to a tentative conclusion
from probable premises.
Toulmin Model
Read section 5f in your QA (pg. 89)
Make sure you have a copy of the Toulmin
Model handout.
STOP! QA Ex. 5-2, pg. 89-90
STOP! Read essay in QA pg. 95-99
Pick out all support/evidence used and note in
margins what argument style is being used.
Applying what you’ve learned
QA Exercise 5-3, pg. 91
QA Exercise 5-4, pg. 93
QA Exercise 5-5, pg. 94