The Three Appeals of Argument Logos, Ethos, Pathos The Three Appeals of Argument

Logos Rational appeal

Logos Based on logical argument & appropriate evidence Logical arguments commonly of two types: Deductive Inductive

Logos Deductive reasoning: Begins with a generalization Cites a specific case related to the generalization Ends with a conclusion based on the above

Logos Example of deductive reasoning: (from Aristotle) All men are mortal. (generalization) Socrates is a man. (specific case) Socrates is mortal. (conclusion about the specific case)

Logos Inductive reasoning: Begins with several pieces of specific evidence Draws generalization and conclusion from this evidence

Logos Same example switched to inductive reasoning: Socrates is mortal. Plato is mortal. Pythagoras is mortal. (specific cases) All men are mortal. (generalization and conclusion)

Ethos Ethical appeal

Ethos Refers not to the ethics of the argument, but to the ethics of the person making the argument (e.g. shows that the person making the argument has a certain degree of credibility, is of good character and sounds sense, and is qualified to be making the argument

Pathos Emotional appeal

Pathos It is appropriate to use emotional appeal in your argument Trouble occurs when you make this the sole or primary basis of your argument

Pathos Use in conjunction with logos to reach your audience Emotions appeal to audience more powerfully than reason alone Can be used effectively in anecdotal evidence