Overview
This lecture introduces Aristotle's three rhetorical devices—ethos, pathos, and logos—used to persuade audiences in argument writing.
Introduction to Rhetorical Devices
- Aristotle identified three main techniques to persuade others: ethos, pathos, and logos.
- These rhetorical devices help make arguments more convincing in essays and debates.
Ethos: Moral Character
- Ethos is about establishing the speaker's credibility and moral character.
- Persuasion is more effective when the audience perceives the speaker as trustworthy and fair-minded.
- Tone and approach matter; a calm, respectful manner helps build ethos.
Pathos: Emotion
- Pathos involves appealing to the audience's emotions to persuade.
- Emotional examples or stories can make arguments more relatable and impactful.
- Using pathos can shift the audience from thinking to feeling, increasing their investment in the topic.
Logos: Reason
- Logos refers to using logic and reason to convince the audience.
- It involves presenting clear reasons, facts, statistics, and evidence to support arguments.
- Logical explanations make the argument difficult to refute.
Using the Three Together
- Strong arguments typically use a combination of ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Relying on all three makes for more compelling and well-rounded persuasion.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ethos — convincing an audience by demonstrating credibility or moral character.
- Pathos — persuading by appealing to the audience's emotions.
- Logos — persuading through logical reasoning and factual evidence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying ethos, pathos, and logos in argument essays or speeches.
- Write an argument paragraph and intentionally use all three devices.