1. Persuasive Appeals
Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

2. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos Appeals
Dictionary definition of appeal: An earnest or urgent request
We appeal to our readers to believe as we do. In other words, we request their support.

3. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos Appeals
There are three types of appeals. These appeals were identified by Aristotle in approximately 350 BCE as part of his discussions of rhetoric.
These three types of appeals are the basis of all arguments. There is no argument you can offer that does not fit into one of these categories.

4. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos Appeals
Logos or Logical Appeals
Logos: when writers use logic to try to persuade others
Ex. I cannot go to the concert because I don’t
have any money for a ticket.
Ex. I do not support the law because it calls
for support services that do not exist.

5. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos Appeals
Ethos or Ethical Appeals
Ethos: when writers use morals, ethics, and discussions of character to persuade others
Ex. I will not go to the concert because I
find the band’s lyrics offensive.
Ex. I will not support the law because it
is biased.

6. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos Appeals
Pathos or Emotional Appeals
Pathos: when writers use emotion and loaded language to persuade others.
Ex. I will not go to the concert because I get
too emotional when I hear the songs.
Ex. I cannot support a law that will only
cause pain and humiliation.

7. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
In a just society, we should not torture prisoners of war because it goes against our notions of fairness.

8. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
I couldn’t continue working with abused children because I couldn’t stand to see children going through so much pain.

9. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
If I only have $10, I cannot spend $11.

10. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
It is not fair to deprive some citizens of the right to own property while the rest of the population enjoys ownership of land, homes, and business.

11. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
This Christmas, give her the gift she is waiting for: a diamond engagement ring.

12. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
When people are homeless, we should not spend money on the space program.

13. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
Since we do not have enough money to pay all our employees, we will have to let some workers go.

14. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
Vote for Shirley Black because she has the necessary experience to succeed in office.

15. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
Vote against Proposal A because it will raise our taxes so high that we will not be able to pay them.

16. Logos, Ethos, or Pathos?
One may fail at many tasks, but failing to raise your children correctly is the most painful failure of all.

17. Appeals
The appeals you choose must fall in line with the needs of your audience.
Appeals are most effective if they are the right points for the right audience