CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold1 Writing Arguments (Chapter 4) Logos, Ethos, and Pathos
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold2 Definitions Rhetoric The study of elements used in writing or speaking The art of effective expression and persuasive use of language Logos Internal consistency and clarity of the message and the logic of its reason and support (i.e., logical appeal) Ethos Credibility of the author Conveyed through tone and style, care of alternative views, writers reputation, etc. Pathos Audience’s imaginative sympathies; their capacity to feel and see what the writer feels and sees
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold3 Rhetorical Triangle Logos - internal consistency and clarity, logic of reasons and support (logical appeal) Ethos - credibility of arguer, care in presenting alternate views, writer investment in claims, possibly reputation for honesty and expertise (ethical appeal) Pathos - appealing to audiences imaginative sympathies, making argument palpable and immediate Arguments: Claims with Reasons
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold4 Rhetorical Triangle Logos - internal consistency and clarity, logic of reasons and support (logical appeal) Ethos - credibility of arguer, care in presenting alternate views, writer investment in claims, possibly reputation for honesty and expertise (ethical appeal) Pathos - appealing to audiences imaginative sympathies, making argument palpable and immediate Arguments: Claims with Reasons
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold5 Message (LOGOS: How can I make the argument consistent and logical? How can I find the best reasons and evidence? Audience (PATHOS: How can I make the reader open to my message? How can I appeal to the reader’s values and interests? Writer or Speaker: (ETHOS: How can I present myself effectively? How can I enhance my credibility and trustworthiness? Rhetorical Triangle
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold6 Facts What are they? A fact is a non-controversial piece of data that is verifiable through observation or through appeal to communally accepted authorities. Facts can increase persuasiveness by having Recency. What’s the latest data? Representativeness. Are the supporting examples typical rather than extreme or rare. Sufficiency. Are there enough examples to justify the point. (No hasty generalization.)
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold7 Issue Questions are the Basis of Argument Issue question: controversial question that gives rise to alternative answers. Issue versus information questions Some questions merely call for more information, not argument. In answering an information question, you assume the role of a teacher. But if you must assume the role of an advocate, then the question is an issue question. Also if the facts of the answer are controversial, then the question is an issue question.
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold8 Issue Questions are the Basis of Argument Issue question: controversial question that gives rise to alternative answers. Issue versus information questions Some questions merely call for more information, not argument. In answering an information question, you assume the role of a teacher. But if you must assume the role of an advocate, then the question is an issue question. Also if the facts of the answer are controversial, then the question is an issue question.
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold9 Arguments VS Pseudo Arguments A genuine argument requires
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold10 Arguments VS Pseudo Arguments A genuine argument requires Reasonable participants who operate within the conventions of reasonable behavior. Potentially shareable assumptions that can serve as a starting place or foundation for the argument. Otherwise, it is a pseudo-argument: Fanatical believers or fanatical skeptics Lack of shared assumptions
CS 4001Mary Jean Harrold11 Arguments: Claims Supported by Reasons What is a reason? A reason is a claim used to support another claim. Reasons are usually linked to their claims with words like because, thus, since, consequently, and therefore to underscore their logical connection. Formulating lists of reasons for the competing views can break the persuasive task into more manageable subtasks. A good way to formulate an argument is to create a working thesis statement that summarizes your main reasons as because clauses attached to your claim. However, be aware of the opposing points of view.