The Friends of Argument

Ethos Logos Pathos

Persuasion

Boston Legal Clip

The clip is from an episode about a lawyer who attempts to argue in a Texas court that a man’s death sentence should not be carried out. First, just watch. Second, watch with a pen and make note of whether the lawyer's argument is effective. Note what is happening as he speaks. What seems to be working? What doesn’t seem to be working? What do you think the verdict will ultimately be and why?

Refutation/Rebuttal Language

Some possible words/phrases to refute the counterclaim:

While these arguments are valid if you . . .,

Although at first glance this argument may seem valid, on closer consideration, it actually . . .

Those who care about _________, however, will . . . Progressive thinkers will realize, however, that . . . Those who understand _________, however, will . . . Prudent thinkers however, will . . . Optimists/realists/progressive people, howeve, will realize that . . .

Writing Argument

Aristotle taught that a speaker’s ability to persuade an audience is based on how well the speaker appeals to that audience in three different areas:

ETHOS--LOGOS—PATHOS

Considered together, these appeals form what later rhetoricians have called the RHETORICAL TRIANGLE .

Writing Argument (continued)

Logos, ethos, and pathos are important components of all writing, whether we are aware of them or not.

By learning to recognize ethos, logos, and pathos in the writing of others and in our own, we can create texts that appeal to readers on many different levels.

Effective writers strike a balance—one that suits their TOPIC, their PURPOSE, and, maybe most importantly, their AUDIENCE

Rhetorical Triangle

Ethos

The ETHICAL appeal of the writer/speaker

Appeal of the writer’s character.

Ethos can also be thought of as the role of the writer in the argument, and how credible his/her argument is.

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PathosPASSIONATE or EMOTIONAL appeal

appeals to the emotions and the sympathetic imagination, as well as to beliefs and values.

Pathos can also be thought of as the role of the audience in the argument.

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Logos

LOGICAL appeal

appeals to reason.

Logos can also be thought of as the text of the argument, as well as how well a writer has argued his/her point.

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Rhetorical Balance

The rhetorical triangle is typically represented by an equilateral triangle, suggesting that logos, ethos, and pathos should be balanced within a text. However, which aspect(s) of the rhetorical triangle you favor in your writing depends on both the AUDIENCE and the PURPOSE of that writing. Yet, if you are in doubt, seek a BALANCE among all three elements.

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Denotation vs Connotation

Denotation refers to the dictionary definition

Connotation refers to the secondary meanings, undertones, and implications

Consider the following:

petite—short—midget

elderly—old—senior

statuesque—tall—immense

slender—thin—scrawny

compact—small---tiny

sensitive—kind---emotional

Persuasion vs. Argument

Argument

Elements of ArgumentClaim: the opinion that is the focus of the essayReasons: solid, logical grounds for the claimEvidence: relevant and verifiable support for

the reasonsExplanation: HOW the evidence supports the

claim; the connection between the reason and the evidence

Counter-arguments: acknowledgement of differing claims

Refutation: the rebuttal

Counterclaim--Refutation

It is a challenge to write the counterclaim in an essay of argument.

It requires knowledge of both the counterclaim (the other side) and the reasons people having that opinion.

The rebuttal can’t merely offer your opinions against the claim; it requires, as much as possible, proof in the form of facts and solid evidence.

It requires your tact and diplomacy. (This is where your credibility as the writer and your understanding of audience really play a role—the ethos-pathos appeals of your essay.)

Counterclaim Language

• Some possible transitions to the counterclaim portion of your essay:– Admittedly, . . .– There are some people who feel otherwise,

who believe that . . .– Those who take a narrow view of . . .– People who are unaware of . . . – Those on the sidelines will . . .– There are those who would have us believe– The pessimists/naysayers among us will . . .

Refutation/Rebuttal Language

• Some possible words/phrases to refute the counterclaim: – While these arguments are valid if you . . ., – Although at first glance this argument may seem valid,

on closer consideration, it actually . . .

– Those who care about _________, however, who will . . .

– Progressive thinkers will realize, however, that . . . – Those who understand _________, however, will . . . – Prudent thinkers however, will . . . – Optimists/realists/progressive people, however, will

realize that . . .

Conclusion

• This is your last chance to convince the reader that your claim is solid. You want to leave them thinking that you know what you are talking about.– One way to do that is to reiterate the reasons you feel so

strongly about this issue (in a fresh way without being repetitive.

– An even better way to be convincing is to offer a “plan of action.”• Suggest ways to implement what you propose.• Offer a compromise, if that is feasible.

– And DON”T write “IN CONCLUSION”!