Ethos, Pathos, Logos

The Rhetorical Triangle

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

What is ethos?

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

EthosEthos is appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author.

ETHOS

EthosFor example, when a trusted doctor gives you advice, you may not understand all of the medical reasoning behind the advice, but you nonetheless follow the directions because you believe that the doctor knows what s/he is talking about. 

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

What is pathos?

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

PathosPathos is appeal based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven.

PATHOS

Pathos = an emotional argument• An effective use of pathos will alter the mindsets of the

audience through the use of emotional appeal. • Both words and pictures can achieve this appeal.  In this

picture, Haitian children are collecting water.  Children and adults spend all day digging for water because most of Haiti does not have access to water.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

What is logos?

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

LogosLogos is appeal based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are logos-driven. Scholarly documents are also often logos-driven.

LOGOS

Logos – logic • “You should eat spinach

because it has Folic Acid, Vitamin A, C and Calcium.

• According to the CDC, Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death and researchers found in 2008 that the flavanoids in spinach can prevent cancer