Ethos pathos logos definitions how to#
Ethos pathos logos definitions full#

The writer cites certain authorities on a subject.The writer uses advanced, theoretical, or abstract language.The writer uses facts and statistics, historical and literal analogies.Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.” Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. And some of you have come from areas where your quest - quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. “I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Remember: A writer who tries to convince you by manipulating your emotional responses is hoping that your emotional reactions will help persuade you to do what she wants. The writer relies on the value of implied meanings to help convince you.The writer uses emotion-evoking examples and stories of emotionally charged events.The writer uses emotionally charged diction.And I will restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future.”ĭemocratic Presidential Candidate Acceptance Speech by Barack Obama. I will build new partnerships to defeat the threats of the 21st century: terrorism and nuclear proliferation poverty and genocide climate change and disease. But I will also renew the tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and curb Russian aggression. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts. “I will end this war in Iraq responsibly, and finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Remember: A writer who attempts to persuade through references to her own character, position, rank, and/or authority is trying to convince you of her reliability, knowledgeability, and authority in the hope that by so doing she will establish a sufficient sense of her own credibility that you will be persuaded to do something. The writer uses her reputation to gain the readers agreement.The writer demonstrates mastery of the terminology in the field.The writer refers to her expertise, title, position, authority, and/or pedigree.Pathos is close to 'pathetic' - which is something we say when feeling disgust. Logos is close to 'logic' - the appeal to logic and reason.

Ethos pathos logos definitions how to#

In terms of how to remember these, perhaps try this:Įthos is close to 'ethics' - the appeal is to the ethical and responsible behaviour of the speaker. You are killing yourself and you'll leave behind your wife and family who are absolutely dependent on you (Pathos). Your lungs are literally dying - you can see it here on this scan (Logos).

I know it sounds incredible but the math checks out.Īnd, of course, we can mix and match them:īob, as your doctor, I have to advise you to give up smoking (Ethos). A couple of examples:Īccording to a recent study, being a parent is linked to an increase in hair loss. Logos (from the Greek for 'I say') is an appeal to logic and reason.

Ethos pathos logos definitions full#

How can you allow this kind of behaviour to occur in a town full of God fearing people?Īfter years of working for the company, how can they simply just let me go? Pathos (from the Greek for 'suffering' and 'experience') is an appeal to someone's emotions.A couple of examples:Īs a doctor, I can tell you that your diet is of concern and so you should eat better.Īs a dad to two children, I believe you should play sports with your kids. Ethos (from the Greek for 'character') serves to highlight the persuader's credibility or ethical state.The answer is Aristotle (384-322 BCE), who wrote extensively on the subject of rhetoric (the art of persuasive speaking and writing).Įthos, Pathos, and Logos are three different ways to be persuasive. Before we dive in, let's first talk about where these concepts come from.