Aristotelian Appeals: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos
Whenever you read an argument you must ask yourself, “Is this persuasive? If so, why? And to
whom?” There are many ways to appeal to an audience. Among them are appealing to logos, ethos,
and pathos. These appeals are identifiable in almost all arguments.
To Appeal to LOGOS
(logic, reasoning)
To Develop or Appeal to ETHOS
(character, ethics)
the argument itself; the reasoning the
author uses; logical evidence
the way an author builds credibility &
trustworthiness
Types of LOGOS Appeals
Ways to Develop ETHOS
 Theories / scientific facts
 Indicated meanings or
reasons (because…)
 Literal or historical analogies
 Definitions
 Factual data & statistics
 Quotations
 Citations from experts & authoriti
 Informed opinions
 Examples (real life
examples)
 Personal anecdotes
Effect on Audience
Evokes a cognitive, rational response.
Readers get a sense of, “Oh, that makes
sense” or “Hmm, that really doesn’t prove
anything.”
How to Talk About It
 Author’s profession /
background
 Author’s publication
 Appearing sincere, fair
minded, knowledgeable
 Conceding to opposition
where appropriate
 Morally / ethically likeable
 Appropriate language for
audience and subject
 Appropriate vocabulary
 Correct grammar
 Professional format
Effect on Audience
To Appeal to PATHOS
(emotion)
The words or passages an author uses
activate emotions
Types of PATHOS Appeals
 Emotionally loaded language
 Vivid descriptions
 Emotional examples
 Anecdotes, testimonies, or
narratives about emotional
experiences or events
 Figurative language
 Emotional tone (humor,
sarcasm, disappointment,
excitement, etc.)
Effect on Audience
Helps reader to see the author as reliable, Evokes an emotional response.
trustworthy, competent, and credible. The Persuasion by emotion.(usually evoking
reader might respect the author or his/her fear, sympathy, empathy, anger,)
views.
How to Talk About It
How to Talk About It
The author appeals to logos by defining
Through his use of scientific terminology,
relevant terms and then supports his claim the author builds his ethos by
with numerous citations from authorities. demonstrating expertise.
When referencing 9/11, the author is
appealing to pathos. Here, he is eliciting
both sadness and anger from his readers.
The author’s use of statistics and expert The author’s ethos is effectively
testimony are very convincing logos appea developed as readers see that he is
sympathetic to the struggles minorities
face.
The author’s description of the child with ca
was a very persuasive appeal to pathos.
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Appeals Quiz1
Directions: Read each of the following questions carefully and choose the best answer.
1. Of the forms of rhetoric, which primarily uses logic to persuade?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
2. Of the forms of rhetoric, which primarily uses emotion to persuade?
Ethos
Pathos
Logos
3. Of the forms of rhetoric, which relies solely on the reputation of the speaker?
Pathos
Logos
Ethos
4. Which is an example of Ethos?
Send us money or you're killing children in Africa!
We've been doing business for 200 years...
Our planes are designed with speed in mind; they can travel the SPEED OF LIGHT!!!
1
Quiz was adapted from http://www.gotoquiz.com/ethos_pathos_and_logos_1 and
http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/bvOtu7_/Aristotles-Methods-of-Convincing
183
5. Which is most likely an example of Pathos?
A beer commercial that has nothing to do with beer.
A company document
A research paper
6. Which is most likely an example of Logos?
A beer commercial that has nothing to do with beer.
We've been doing business for 200 years...
This new technology is the best because of its versatility, usability, etc...
7. When an advertisement appeals to your feelings and not to your logic, it is an example
of which of the following appeals?
Stupidity
Pathos
Ethos
8. When a piece of literature appeals to your mind and explains things to you
logically, it is using which appeal?
Ethos
Pathos
Mind
Logos
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1. Facts, quotations, definitions, statistics and anecdotes fall under which appeal?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
2. To convince your readers that you are fair, honest and well-informed, you would use
which of the follow appeals?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
3. A logical way of getting people to agree would fall under which appeal?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
4. When presenting the opposition and then proving it wrong , you would be using
which of the following appeals?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
5. Using your emotions, which appeal are you using?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
6. The readers will trust the writer's values and intentions if the writer has good what?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
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7. Using description or narrating an example would fall under which appeal?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
8. Which appeal shows the author's point of view?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
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