Logic in Arguments

Possible Quiz material 11/10/2023 ENSC 105W

Ethos

• Appeal to Credibility

  • Generally implied in academic writing

    • Emphasizes credibility of writer

    • Quality of evidence

      • logical argument
      • speaking with respect
      • clarity of writing

    • Can be used by citation of well known authorities

    • Generate identification with the audience through use

      • shared metaphors
      • conventions
      • language
      • images
      • ideas
      • methods

  • look for what they value

    • Don’t undervalue yourself/understate

Logos

• Appeal to logic/reason

  • Critical stance in persuasion

    • State your purpose

    • create a logical structure

    • State your own main claims

    • Assume that your readers adopt a skeptical stance

    • avoid making sweeping generalizations

    • Define the key terms you employ in your account

    • Make explicit any values

    • Avoid attacking authors as people

    • assume that your readers are open-minded

    • Sustain your focus

    • ensure that your referencing in the text and the reference list is complete and accurate

Pathos

• Appeal to emotions

  • aims to move

    • Rarely used in academic or professional writing

    • A very powerful tool in motivational speeches

      • visuals also add to it