Oh, yes, and it is an ART!
The 3 Artistic Proofs
ETHOS- Literal Definition: the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs

of a person, group, or institution

phronesis - practical skills & wisdom

arete - virtue, goodness

eunoia - goodwill towards the audience
How it’s used in an argument: Ethos establishes a speaker or writer’s good character. An appeal
based on the speaker/writer’s acknowledged life contributions to
society.
Example: A well-known doctor in the community has retired; the town is looking for a new head
of medicine. The well-known doctor really believed one of his colleagues should take
his place. He would use ethos to persuade the board to accept his candidate based on
the fact that he has knowledge of what the job entails, is trusted, and is well-known
throughout the community and knows what’s best.
According to Aristotle: He says,” [Three things] inspire confidence in the rhetor's
[speaker's/writer's] own character. [These things] induce us to believe a
thing apart from any proof of it: good sense, good moral character, and
goodwill. False statements and bad advice come from the lack of any of
these elements. Exhibiting these three aspects of character in your
discourse can play a large part in gaining credibility for your ideas”
(O’Connor).
PATHOS- Literal Definition: an element in experience or in artistic representation evoking pity
or compassion
How it is used in an argument: persuasion from pathos involves engaging your
reader/audience emotions. You establish them to be in the right
frame of mind to accept your ideas. You might attempt to fill
your audience with pity for someone or create contempt for
something that is wrong.
Example: A writer of a critical essay in the New York Times might discuss a
terrorist issue by bringing up September 11 th, and discussing patriotism
towards our country in order to spark emotion in the reader.
Aristotle Says: “writers should know how to create anger toward some ideal circumstance and
how also to create a sense of calm” (O’Conner).
LOGOS- Literal Definition: reason that in ancient Greek philosophy is the controlling principle in the
Universe (i.e. facts, figures, evidence—not just concepts and theories)
How it is used in an argument: commonly, this is called using logical appeal. There are 2
different types of logic: inductive logic, means you give your
reader similar examples that they can draw a conclusion from;
deductive logic, giving your readers a few general propositions
and then, drawing from them, a specific truth. In modern society
we prefer inductive and call it the scientific method
Aristotle Says: Logos is the logical way to persuade an audience. You must make them process
the information and see the truth that lies there.
O’Connor, Michael. “The Three ‘Artistic Proofs’: Ethos, Pathos, Logos.” Millikin University Online Writing Sources. Nov. 2000.
11 Feb. 2003. <http://faculty.millikin.edu/~moconner.hum. faculty.mu/ writing/workshop7b.html>.