Thomas Freeman WRIT 122

 There are three ways in which a person can argue their position. These ways consist of ethos, logos and pathos.  These different appeals allow your argument to be based on character, as well as facts and reasoning.

 Ethos is the Greek word from which ethics is derived.  Ethos refers to establishing the reliability and trustworthiness of the writer of an argument.  There are 2 types of ethos, invented and situated.  Invented ethos is the tone created by the writer through the presentation. Situated is pre- existing knowledge and experience that sets the tone.

 Through tone, an author's character and attitude toward his/her audience and subject becomes clear to the audience: this forms the basis of the author's ethical appeal.  The author's character is what gives value to the ideas in the argument and thus provides support for the arguments since the audience trusts the speaker.

 Logos is the Greek word for Logic.  Logos is an argument from a logical and reasoning standpoint.  These arguments are based on facts, evidence and reason, in an attempt to have the audience accept your claim.  Logical arguments are referred to as inartistic appeals by Aristotle.  Logical arguments are often tested to prove their credibility.

 Pathos is also a Greek word for suffering or experience.  Pathos is a type of rhetorical appeal based on emotion.  Because these are based on emotion they are very effective in determining what people think or believe.  Many types of advertisement are based on emotion.

Remember that everything is an argument………EVERYTHING!