Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

The focus of our discussion this week is the rhetorical appeals, logos, ethos, and pathos.

Oftentimes, I think textbooks make definitions way more complicated than they need to be. Let me clarify the above terms for everyone. When we talk about logos, ethos, and pathos, we are talking about HOW an author is trying to persuade their audience.

Logos-How an author uses logic to appeal to the audience

Ethos-The credibility an author has and uses to appeal to the audience

Pathos-How an author tries to appeal to the audience's emotions

If you really think about it, we often use these things in everyday life, whether we are dealing with our significant others, our children, our bosses, etc. For our Discussion Spark question, I would like you to think about a recent conversation you have had where you utilized the rhetorical appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos). Talk about this conversation and explain how you used these appeals. Then, explain whether or not you were effective in using these appeals. 

•**** full book is found online The Longman Writer: Rhetoric, Reader, Research Guide, and Handbook. ◦Chapter 14 selection, "Cyberschool" by Clifford Stoll (pp. 282–284) ◦Chapter 18, "Argumentation-Persuasion" (pp. 398–420 only): How does the type of audience influence the kinds of persuasive techniques an author uses in an essay? ◦Chapter 18 selection, "In Praise of the 'F' Word" by Mary Sherry (pp. 438–439) ◦Chapter 20, "Writing the Research Paper" (pp. 523–544, 570–572 only): How does citing outside sources help increase the effectiveness of an author's persuasive arguments? •Read the Discussion Spark topic/question or comment posted by your Instructor in the Discussion Thread on Day 1. Think about how ethos, pathos, and logos are defined in a writing context. Consider how understanding ethos, pathos, and logos affects how you prepare for writing your assignments. Choose one author (Stoll or Sherry) from the selected readings in The Longman Writer to write about for this Discussion assignment. Consider the author's credibility, use of emotional appeal, and use of logic. How did he or she make use of ethos, pathos, and logos? With these thoughts in mind: 1- to 2-paragraph response to the Discussion Spark That is listed above. 1- to 2-paragraph summary of your analysis explaining the ethos, pathos, and logos of your chosen author. Use the beginning of Chapter 18 in The Longman Writer as a point of reference for your analysis. Cite at least one example from the readings in The Longman Writer to support your answer.