Rhetorical theory

Ethos, pathos logos examples
Aristotle ethos, pathos, logos
Aristotle's rhetorical triangle examples

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Nicholas Whaley

Aristotle, a student of the Greek philosopher Plato, is considered one of history’s greatest philosophers and the figure responsible for the three rhetorical appeals upon which modern rhetorical studies are built. Aristotle defined three distinct rhetorical appeals as they pertained to the art of persuasion: ethos (the rhetor’s credibility), logos (logic or rationality), and pathos (emotion).

Ethos

Ethos in rhetoric is defined as “the role of the writer (speaker) in the argument and how credible his/her argument is” (“Rhetorical Triangle”). This definition can be further explicated as referring to how knowledgeable or wise the speaker is about their argument as well as how reputable the individual is morally in the eyes of their audience. Aristotle called this “persuasion through character,” as ethos primarily explores the characteristics of the speaker. Etiquette is also a factor in developing an effective ethos. This includes proper use of tone, word choice, and respect for the views of the audience.

Logos

Rather than being merely a translation

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The Persuasion Triad — Aristotle Still Teaches

The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 b.c.e.) classified properties of items and concepts in the known universe. One of his most fundamental discoveries was the composition of persuasive speaking. Although Aristotle identified the “three appeals” that make it up 23 centuries ago, when the known universe was smaller, they are timeless. Persuaders of all types have been relying on them since, including we who appeal to users through UX design.

The Trinity of Persuasion

Looking at any act where a speaker tries convincing another person or group, we might first see someone arguing a point. From debating in school to selling merchandise on TV, persuaders state a case to win over an audience in order for the latter to do something. The persuader needs a) an objective, b) an audience, and c) to reach that audience with a message. Specifically, he/she has to persuade them, as opposed to an authority figure ordering them to do something. Aristotle identified that the art of persuasion consisted of three parts:

1) Logos — Appealing to

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Aristotle's Rhetorical Situation

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Rhetorical Concepts

Many people have heard of the rhetorical concepts of logos, ethos, and pathos even if they do not necessarily know what they fully mean. These three terms, along with kairos and telos, were used by Aristotle to help explain how rhetoric functions. In ancient Greece, these terms corresponded with basic components that all rhetorical situations have.

Logos

Logos is frequently translated as some variation of “logic or reasoning,” but it originally referred to the actual content of a speech and how it was organized. Today, many people may discuss the logos qualities of a te