rhetoric: ethos, logos and pathos -...
TRANSCRIPT
Rhetoric
Rhetoric (n) –
1. the art of speaking or writing effectively
2. using speech or writing to persuade
Aristotle
Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, described three main forms of rhetoric:
Ethos
Logos
Pathos
Ethos
Ethos is appeal based on the credibility of the speaker/writer.
We tend to believe people whom…
we like
we respect
we think are worth listening to
Examples of Ethos
• Endorsements
–Celebrities
–Public Figures
– Institutions
• Formal writing style, professional appearance
• Uses words and symbols that promote trust, expertise and respect
“I've used Acme products for years. Their slingshots, rocket launchers, crowbars and pogo sticks are thebest around. And don't forget their
dynamite! I buy everything from Acme.”
Trust ACME for all your road-runner catching needs.
Wile E. CoyoteACME spokescoyote
Logos
Logos is appeal based on logic or reason.
Strong arguments are based on…
reasons
evidence
logic
Examples of Logos
• Official business documents
• Textbooks and scholarly projects
• Scientific studies
• Uses facts, statistics, history, reasoning, “common sense”
ACME’s new dihydro-cesium
detonation process
By combining cesium and dihydro-oxide in laboratory conditions, and capturing the released energy, ACME has promised to lead the way into the future.
Our energy source is clean, safe, and powerful.
No pollutants are released into the atmosphere. The world will soon have an excellent source of clean energy.
Pathos
Pathos is appeal based on emotion.
Our decisions are often swayed by…
emotion
sympathy
imagination
Examples of Pathos
• Almost all current advertisements
• Political ads
• Sensational news programs
• Uses stories, beliefs, excitement, fear, envy, ridicule, joy, pain, sadness, pity, humor, anger, insecurity, etc.
Boycott ACME!A baby turtle breaks free from its egg, catching its first glimpse of its first sunrise. It pauses a moment to rest, unaware of the danger that lies so close to it. As the tide comes in, approaching the nest, it also approaches a small pile of metal - cesium. The
water draws closer and closer, the turtle unsuspecting of the danger. Finally, the water touches the cesium and it EXPLODES, destroying even more of an endangered species. Why does this happen? One name: Acme.
Works Cited
Crewell, Dustin, Melissa Draper, and Colin Mitchell. "The Art of Rhetoric: Ethos, Logos, and Pathos." Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. <http://www.rpi.edu/dept/llc/webclass/web/project1/group4/index.html>.
"Ethos, Pathos, and Logos." Durham Technical Community College. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. <http://courses.durhamtech.edu/perkins/aris.html>.
(Ethos!)