AP Language and Composition

with Mr. McMeel

The Rhetorical Web

Day 2: The Rhetorical Triangle

Who is Aristotle?

Aristotle (384-322 BCE) is the most notable product of the educational program devised by Plato. Aristotle wrote on an amazing range of subjects, from logic, philosophy, and ethics to physics, biology, psychology, politics, and rhetoric.

Logos, Ethos, Pathos

Using logos, ethos, and pathos will help you to master the art of persuasion.

• Through language, you will be able to change the point of view of others!

• Through language, you will be able to motivate others to take action!

What is logos, ethos, and pathos?

Logos = Appeal to Logic

Pathos = Appeal to Emotions

Ethos = Credibility of the speaker

Logical Argument(Logos)

The component of an argument relying on reason, facts, and empirical evidence

Common Components of a Logical Argument

FactsThe senator has been a member of the ACLU for twenty-

three years so we know he is very socially aware.

ProceduresParents should try to make a divorce as quick as possible. The

younger a child is during his parent’s divorce, the more likely that child will not remember the unpleasantness between his parents.

StatisticsFifteen percent of Americans are vegetarians which means

that if we want more people to come to our grocery store, we need to sell tofu.

Emotional Argument(Pathos)

The component of an argument relating to the emotions and sentimentality of your audience

Common Emotions of a Pathos Argument

Credibility Argument(Ethos)

The component of an argument addressing how believable or authoritative the speaker is perceived to be.

Common Components of a Credibility Argument

CredentialsMention a degree or position that lends you authority relative to the topic at hand.

First Hand ExperienceMention an experience that has lent you

particular insight relative to the topic at hand.

CitationIf you lack credentials and/or experience,

refer to somebody who does (and agrees with you).

Which appeal is the BEST?

EthosPathosLogos

Notes

While it is difficult to argue with facts, logical arguments can seem cold, and may understate the nuances of an issue.

Credibility is relative. A figure that might be credible in one situation might not be in another.

A heavy handed emotional argument can undermine an author’s credibility by making them seem overly emotional or manipulative.

Questions of the Day

What elements of your argument rely on logic?

When reading your argument, why should I believe you? Why should I pay more attention to your argument than someone else’s?

How do people feel about your subject? Did you refer to this at all?

How did these factors affect your writing?

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