Neo-Classicism Age of Reason ( )

About Neo-Classicism American shift in thought went from the “believing” period of the Puritan to the “thinking” period of the Revolutionaries Neo-Classicism was predominated by the belief that individuals can find truth by using reason rather than relying on past authority, religious faith or intuition Primary goal: the pursuit of happiness. All men are entitled to it rather than a few

Differences between Neo-Classicism and Puritanism Emphasis on politics and science, not religion Influential writers were politicians, not ministers Thought and actions became man-centered, not God-centered Man controlled his own destiny, not predestination Life is guided by Reason, not the Bible Political system became a democracy, not a theocracy Literature was mainly political essays, not religious sermons and histories

Important Authors Benjamin Franklin Patrick Henry Thomas Jefferson Thomas Paine

Contributions to American Culture Movement toward political independence An interest in public welfare A willingness to experiment, try things out A drive to improve living conditions, forms of government and individual minds Discoveries by physical scientist and mathematicians

Rhetorical Appeals Writers and speakers choose their appeals based on their intended audience, purpose, and the nature of the argument itself. Aristotle first identified these appeals as pathos (emotional), ethos (ethical), and logos (logical).

Pathos (emotional appeals) This appeal attempts to persuade the reader or listener by appealing to the senses and emotions. Political ads that show politicians kissing babies or shaking hands with the elderly often appeal to the emotions. Also, these appeals usually include statements with vivid sensory details, which are used to awaken the senses and perhaps manipulate the emotions of the audience.

Ethos (ethical appeals) This type of appeal attempts to persuade the reader or listener by focusing on the qualifications of the speaker. The speaker’s credibility is paramount in an ethical appeal. Ethical appeals focus on the speaker even more than the situation. Examples of ethical appeals in advertising are expert or celebrity endorsements of products. You can increase your credibility, or your “ethos,” with your authority, character, sources, fairness, and error-free presentation. Other examples of ethical appeals are a teen’s argument that he or she should be allowed to do something because he or she has never been in trouble, or because his or her friend is a perfect citizen, and so on.

Logos (logical appeals) This type of appeal attempts to persuade the reader or listener by leading him down the road of logic and causing him to come to his own conclusion. Logical appeals state the facts and show how the facts are interrelated. If/then statements are examples of logical appeals. Logical appeals are often used in courtroom situations. Compelling logic adds to the ethos of an argument.

Using rhetorical appeals Write in your Language Arts Notebook Prompt – You mom/dad/guardian has said you will not get you driver’s license until you’re 18. Persuade him/her that you should be able to get your license NOW. Write 2-3 sentences for each option 1.Pathos 2.Ethos 3.Logos