Writing Arguments (Chapter 4) Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

1. Writing Arguments (Chapter 4)Logos, Ethos, and Pathos Mary Jean Harrold

2. Quick Quiz Name(25 pts) • Briefly define each of the three parts of the rhetorical triangle. • A genuine (not pseudo-argument) requires two ingredients—what are they? • Mark each of the following as an issue or information question • What is the reason that enrollments in CS in the U.S. are declining? • What is the percentage that CS enrollments in the U.S. declined in 2005? • What is the effect of outsourcing statistics on CS enrollments in the U.S.? • What are two characteristics that the facts you use to support your arguments should have? Mary Jean Harrold

3. Arguments: Claims with Reasons 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 Mary Jean Harrold

4. Rhetorical Triangle Message (LOGOS: How can I make the argument consistent and logical? How can I find the best reasons and evidence? Writer or Speaker: (ETHOS: How can I present myself effectively? How can I enhance my credibility and trustworthiness? Audience (PATHOS: How can I make the reader open to my message? How can I appeal to the reader’s values and interests? Mary Jean Harrold

5. Facts What are they? • A factis 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.) Mary Jean Harrold

6. 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. Mary Jean Harrold

7. 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 Mary Jean Harrold

8. 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. Mary Jean Harrold