*An example of an argument that relies on logos is
the argument that smoking is harmful based on
the evidence from the American Lung Association
that "Cigarette smoke contains over 4,800
chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer"
(1).
*An everyday example of an appeal to logos is the
argument that Lady Gaga was more popular than
Justin Bieber in 2011 because Gaga's fan pages
collected 10 million more Facebook fans than
Bieber's.
Logos: Based on the two examples of
argument above, logos means an appeal to
reason based on_______________________.
Ethos: Which is the more credible source from the two examples of argument above?
_____________________ Why? __________________________________________
You may be surprised to learn that much of your life
consists of constructing arguments. If you ever plead a
case to your parents -- in order to extend your curfew, or to
get a new gadget, for example -- you are using persuasive
strategies.
When you discuss music with friends, and agree or disagree with them about
the merits of one singer compared to another, you are also using strategies for
persuasion.
Here's a surprise: when you engage in these "arguments" with your parents and
friends, you are instinctively using ancient strategies for persuasion that were
EOCT questions for this
standard (evaluating the
credibility and accuracy of
sources) may ask you which
source would provide the
most accurate and reliable
information. You should be
prepared to judge the
authority of providers of
information (especially
online sources), and you
should able prepared to
evaluate the authenticity
and accuracy of the
information they provide.
identified by the Greek philosopher Aristotle a few thousand years ago! Aristotle called his ingredients for
persuasion ethos, logos, and pathos.
The Shorthand Version:
Logos: the logic used to support a claim; facts and statistics used to help support the argument
Ethos: the source's credibility, the speaker's/author's authority
Pathos: the emotional or motivational appeals; vivid language, emotional language and sensory details
Main techniques:
Structure (opening/body/conclusion)
References to studies, statistics, facts
Comparison, analogies, metaphors
Main techniques:
Personal branding
Confidence in delivery
Cites credible sources
Main techniques:
Stories
Inspirational quotes
Vivid language
Logos in the “Who is to Blame”
essay for The Tragedy of Romeo
and Juliet: ____________________
____________________________
____________________________
______________________
Ethos in the “Who is to Blame”
essay for The Tragedy of Romeo
and Juliet:
______________________________
____________________________
____________________________
______________________
Pathos in the “Who is to Blame”
essay for The Tragedy of Romeo
and Juliet: ____________________
____________________________
What Is Logos?
Logos (Logical) means persuading by the use of reasoning. This will be the most important technique we
will use in analytical essays, and Aristotle's favorite. Giving reasons is the heart of argumentation, and
cannot be emphasized enough. Think about what types of support you can use to substantiate your thesis, and
how you will structure your argument.
Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing by the character of the author. We tend to believe
people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the
reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on
the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.
Pathos (Emotional) means persuading by appealing to the reader's emotions. We can look at texts ranging
from classic essays to contemporary advertisements to see how pathos -- emotional appeals -- are used to
persuade. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively
be used to enhance an argument.