Aristotle’s Three Ways to Persuade

LogosEthos

Pathos

What is persuasion?

The goal of persuasion is to change others’ point of view or to get them to believe your point of view

What is logos, ethos, and pathos?

Logos = Logic (“Makes Sense”)

Ethos = Ethics, (“Right and Wrong”)

Pathos = Emotions (Passion)

Logos, Ethos, PathosUsing logos, ethos, and pathos will help you to master the art of persuasion.

• Through language, you will be able to convince others of your point of view!

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

Logos

Logos is an argument based on facts, evidence and reason.

Using logos means appealing to the readers’ sense of what is logical.

EthosEthos is an argument based on character.

Using ethos means the writer or speaker appeals to the audience’s sense of ethical behavior. The writer or speaker presents him or herself to the audience as credible, trustworthy, honest and ethical.

Using ethos also means presenting actions as either right or wrong, good or bad.

Pathos

Pathos = argument based on feelings

Using pathos means appealing to readers’ emotions and feelings.

Symbols for Logos, Ethos and Pathos

Logos = HeadEthos = Hand

Pathos = Heart

Logos

Logos

Ethos

Ethos

Ethos

Ethos

Pathos

Pathos

Pathos

Example 1It is wrong to not allow immigrants citizenship

in our country. Everyone has a right to be granted citizenship if s/he is a hard worker and contributes to society. It is our moral duty to grant amnesty to anyone who shows they are hard working and here to make a better life.

Logos, ethos or pathos Turn to a partner and choose which

technique best describes the persuasion used in example one. Write it down.

Example 2Imagine you live in a country where you are not

allowed to express yourself, a country where citizens are exploited and not given freedom. How would that make you feel? Now imagine you risked your life to come to this country, a “free country,” to seek a better life for your family, but you are told you are a criminal and shipped back home.

Logos, ethos or pathos Turn to a partner and choose which

technique best describes the persuasion used in example two. Write it down.

Example threeA study done by the ACLU shows that the vast

majority of so-called “illegal” immigrants work hard and contribute much money to our economy (Harrison, p.12). The same study shows that, if we actually deported all of these immigrants, our economy would suffer dire consequences. A better solution would be granting them amnesty and allowing them citizenship so that they can pay taxes and continue to contribute to our society. Therefore, attacking these people who came here for a better life would end up hurting us more than helping us.

Logos, ethos or pathos Turn to a partner and choose which

technique best describes the persuasion used in example three. Write it down.

ReviewI your own words, describe

logos.

ReviewEthos = Ethics In your own words, describe

ethos.

ReviewPathos = argument

based on feelings

In your own words, describe pathos

Pathos, Ethos, Logos