Persuasive Writing The Rhetorical Appeals

The art of persuasion Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, developed the theory of how arguments are constructed that is still used today. He said that the goal of persuasion is to… 1. Convince an audience that your point is valid or correct 2. Or that your point is more valid or correct than another’s point Aristotle ( BC)

Tools for Persuasion Aristotle described three main tools for persuasion: LOGOS, PATHOS, ETHOS, and KAIROS.

DEFINITION: Logos Logos means logic. 1. Facts 2. Numbers

EXAMPLE OF LOGOS Pesticides contain chemicals, like arsenic, that destroy the nervous system.

DEFINITION: Pathos Pathos means emotion. 1. Feelings/Emotions 2. Biases (prejudice or stereotypes)

EXAMPLE OF PATHOS Knowing the warning signs of cancer could save you from suffering the loss of someone you love, like I did.

DEFINITION: Ethos Ethos means ethical or moral; doing the right thing. 1. Examples of others who have done the right thing 2. People who support this idea 3. You want to do the right thing don’t you?

EXAMPLE OF ETHOS With your contribution to the ASPCA, you can help an animal in need.

DEFINITION: Kairos Kairos means timeliness; this is the right moment Now is the time! For a limited time only! Don’t wait! This offer will not be repeated! Time is running out!

Appeals are never used alone… Good persuasive arguments always use all the rhetorical appeals. They are the puzzle pieces that form a persuasive argument.