EAL: Phetorical Strategies: Logoes, Pathos, and Ethos

Question 1

Logos = Logic

Answer 1

The use of logic, rationality, and critical reasoning to persuade. Logos appeals to the mind. Logos seeks to persuade the reader intellectually.

e.g.
- appeals to the mind/intellect
- draw from philosophy and logic
- facts
- statistics
- if, then… statements
- definitions of terms
- explanation of ideas
- causes and effects
- details that come from objectives reporting
- logical reasons and explanations

Question 2

Pathos = Emotion

Answer 2

The use of emotion and affect to persuade. Pathos appeals to the heart and to one’s emotions. Pathos seeks to persuade the reader emotionally.

e.g.
- appeal to the heart/emotion
- draw from spirituality or religious traditions
- stories or testimonials
- personal anecdotes or stories
- personal connections
- imagery and figurative language that provokes an emotional response
- visual images or words that inspire you to empathize or have compassion towards the idea/topic
- powerful words, phrases, or images that stir up emotion
- details that come from subjective reporting

Question 3

Ethos = Ethics and Credibility

Answer 3

the ongoing establishment of a writer’s or speakers’s authority, credibility and believability as he/she speaks or writes. Ethos seeks to persuade the reader that the writer/speaker can be trusted and believed due to his/her noble character or ethical ways in which he/she is presenting ideas.

e.g.
- appeal to the writer’s/speaker’s believability, qualification, characters; relevant biographical information
- use of credible sources (experts, scholars)
- accurate citation of source: gives credit where credit it is fir
- experience and authority: person knows the issues and had experience in the field
- appropriate language: uses language of the discipline
- appropriate tone; knows the audience and context of situation
- humility; is not arrogant
- uses tentative yet authoritative language; avoids sweeping statements like “everyone is doing this,” “This is the only way,” “This will always work.” Instead says, “The research suggests that,” “Some experts believe,” “In my experience,” etc.