What is Argument?

1. What is Argument? Thomas Freeman WRIT 122

2. Three Rhetorical Analysis • There are three ways in which a person can argue their position. These ways consist of ethos, logos and pathos. • These different appeals allow your argument to be based on character, as well as facts and reasoning.

3. Ethos • Ethos is the Greek word from which ethics is derived. • Ethos refers to establishing the reliability and trustworthiness of the writer of an argument. • There are 2 types of ethos, invented and situated. • Invented ethos is the tone created by the writer through the presentation. Situated is pre-existing knowledge and experience that sets the tone.

4. Ethos Contd. • Through tone, an author's character and attitude toward his/her audience and subject becomes clear to the audience: this forms the basis of the author's ethical appeal. • The author's character is what gives value to the ideas in the argument and thus provides support for the arguments since the audience trusts the speaker.

5. Logos • Logos is the Greek word for Logic. • Logos is an argument from a logical and reasoning standpoint. • These arguments are based on facts, evidence and reason, in an attempt to have the audience accept your claim. • Logical arguments are referred to as inartistic appeals by Aristotle. • Logical arguments are often tested to prove their credibility.

6. Pathos • Pathos is also a Greek word for suffering or experience. • Pathos is a type of rhetorical appeal based on emotion. • Because these are based on emotion they are very effective in determining what people think or believe. • Many types of advertisement are based on emotion.

7. The End Remember that everything is an argument………EVERYTHING!