Rhetoric and Aristotelian Persuasion

ARISTOTLE•(384-322 BCE) was a Greek philosopher who studied under Plato.  Aristotle studied and wrote prolifically on subjects from politics to metaphysics. Aristotle's discussion of rhetoric contributed lasting ideas about the methods of persuasion.

Rhetoric

is the art of using language effectively and persuasively.

Persuasion

is an appeal to an audience.  ethos logos pathos

were identified by Aristotle as appeals

necessary to effectively persuade an

audience.

Ethos

is the establishment of the credibility of the author or speaker. 

An author develops ethos by using objective and fair language, by considering

counterarguments, and by presenting appropriate and credible sources. 

Are we not disposed to be the number of those who having eyes see not, and having ears hear not, the things

which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?

Here Henry uses ethos by

using the Biblical allusion

“having eyes . . . hear not

Logos

is an appeal to logic. 

An author develops logos by offering credible facts and statistics related to the topic at hand, by using allusion, by using

deductive and inductive reasoning, and by citing credible sources outside the work

itself.

Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the

more specific.

Inductive reasoning works the other way, moving from specific observations to broader generalizations and

theories.

We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its

interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot

of the throne.

Man! Look at Henry go. His appeal to logos uses inductive reasoning and then he pulls it around with an

appeal to pathos

Pathos

is an appeal to the emotion of the audience. 

An author develops pathos by including figurative language such as metaphor, simile, and vivid

imagery, by including emotional anecdotes, and by offering vivid, connotative language employed to evoke sympathy and emotional interest in the

topic.

We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and

listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into

beasts.

Man, those Limeys are going to turn us into swine, just like Circe did. I’m gettin’ mad now!

For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery;

They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging

until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

There is no retreat but in

submission and slavery! Our chains are

forged! Their clanking may

be heard on the plains of Boston!

Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains

and slavery?

HENRY?Isn’t there a

name for that literary

technique you’re using??

Why Yes…It’s called

MOTIF

MOTIF

• A recurrent thematic element in an artistic or literary work. A dominant theme or central idea.

• Music A short rhythmic or melodic passage that is repeated or evoked in various parts of a composition.

• A repeated figure or design in architecture or decoration.

• Theoretical, abstract  language

• Denotative meanings/reasons

• Literal and historical analogies

• Definitions • Factual data and statistics

• Quotations • Citations from experts and authorities

• Informed opinions

• Language appropriate to audience and subject

• Restrained, sincere, fair minded presentation

• Appropriate level of vocabulary

• Correct grammar

•Vivid, concrete language

•Emotionally loaded language

•Connotative meanings

•Emotional examples •Vivid descriptions •Narratives of emotional events

•Emotional tone •Figurative language

To Appeal to Logic (logos) To Develop Ethos

To Appeal to Emotion (pathos)