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Ms. Sarah Moore

RHET 1311-991/992

14 August 2017

Extended Annotation for Ethos, Logos, Pathos: Three Ways to Persuade

This piece is written by John R. Edlund, PhD. to explain three Aristotelian methods of

persuasion. In essence Dr. Edlund posits Aristotles claim that there are three basic methods of

persuasion. These three methods are ethos, logos, and pathos. Dr. Edlund supports Aristotles

claim with Aristotles points of support. He does add updated concepts from time-to-time within

the piece.

Ethos refers to the speaker or writers credibility. Edlund states, Aristotle says that if we

believe that a speaker has good sense, good moral character, and goodwill, we are inclined to

believe what that speaker says (Ethos, par. 1). Edlund goes on to say that in todays world,

expertise and authority are integral parts of building ethos.

Aristotles logos refers to logic or scientific reasoning. Aristotle defines logic in terms of

syllogisms or enthymemes, which are syllogisms that omit statement of any patently true

assumptions. Edlund explains that rhetorical syllogisms may convey probabilities rather than

absolute truth. Edlund states,

Persuasion, to a large extent, involves convincing people to accept our

assumptions as probably true and to take appropriate action. Similarly, exposing

questionable assumptions in someone elses argument is an effective means for

preparing the audience to accept your own contrary (Logos, par. 5)

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Finally, pathos is the ability to move people to action through emotional influence.

Edlund writes,

Aristotle says that if we want to make an audience angry we need to know three

things: 1) the state of mind of angry people, 2) who the people are that this

audience usually gets angry at, and 3) on what grounds this audience gets angry at

those people (Pathos, par. 2).

Edlund specifically points to political motivations as a result of playing upon peoples anger,

such as motivating people to endorse war or the opposite (e.g., gun control). He also points out

that advertisements often play upon insecurities about appearance or social status to motivate us

to purchase particular products. He sums it up this way, It is natural to feel strong emotions

about tragedies, victories, and other powerful events as well as about ones own image and

identity (Pathos, par. 5). An interesting observation Edlund makes is that appeals to emotions

are not always false. In reality, successful persuasion lies within the truth that is embedded in

such an appeal.

Edlund doesnt provide further support because Aristotles claim and supporting claims

of ethos, pathos, and logos have stood the test of time and are accepted rhetorical expertise.

Edlund does a good job explaining these concepts and helping a novice writer envision how to

apply them.

(434 words)
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Works Cited

Edlund, John R., PhD. Ethos, Logos, Pathos: Three Ways to Persuade. Web 5 Jan 2011.