Three Elements of Persuasion According to Aristotle

Reason- logos – the logic of the argument 1. An argument in an appeal to mostly reason and intellect. Argument deals with

issues that are debatable with opposing views. 2. Most effective when you are expecting your readers to disagree with you. 3. Ex: Pregnant women should refrain from smoking cigarettes. Cite statistical

evidence the babies born to mothers who smoke have lower birth rates, more respiratory problems, and a higher incidence of sudden death syndrome than the children of nonsmoking mothers.

4. Deductive reasoning: moves from a broad, general statement to particular examples supporting the statement***

5. Inductive reasoning: moves from several particular examples to a single, useful generalization.

Emotion- pathos- the emotion of an argument

1. Attempt to arouse reader’s feelings, instincts, senses and biases 2. Used most profitably when readers agree with you 3. Ex: Urge lawyers to impose stricter jail sentences for alcohol abuse. Describe

a recent tragic accident involving a local twelve-year-old girl who was killed by a drunk driver as she rode her bicycle school. Focus on the condition of her bike, the blood on her dress, and the anguish on the faces of her parents.

4. Word choice is highly important: use words with favorable or unfavorable connotations. (“Slender” or “scrawny”).

5. Use figurative language. Ethics- ethos- credibility

1. Cultivate a sincere, honest tone that will establish your reputation as a reliable, qualified, experience, well-informed, and knowledgeable person whose arguments are ethically sound.

2. Used in conjunction with reason and emotion to lesson resistance from readers 3. The more believable we are as human beings, the better chance we will have

of convincing readers. 4. The tone of the essay is key, and is also formed by word choice. 5. The types of examples used are important. The types can help the reader see

you as experienced, insightful, relaxed, or intense.