This method was used in history by many people and is still used (mainly in advertising) to sell all kinds of things.Īll of these are essential methods of Rhetoric. Pathos works by targeting the emotional side of the audience, either by telling a compelling story (which police detectives often make up while interrogating a suspect) or by generating strong emotions like anger. Some philosophers argue that human decisions are based solely on feelings and desires. There’s nothing more powerful than emotions. “Reason is a slave to the passions (or emotions).” – David Hume. Pathos is neither right nor wrong, though it may be irrational at some times, hence the touching of emotions. It is considered the most effective mode because we live in an era of technology, social media, and smartphones. The objective of pathos is appealing to the emotions of the audience or individual.

The last and most powerful method (or at least thought to be by most people) is pathos. The point of this method is using factual knowledge to convince the audience. This method can also employ so-called rhetorical devices like analogies, research citations and statistics, and examples.Īlthough it’s not just numbers and facts, it is also the structure and content of the argument itself. It has to be supported by evidence or facts, has a coherent structure, etc. It means that the message must be logical and well presented it must make sense. This one often brings confusion because of Plotinus’s God, which stoics believed in.Īristotle’s logos is the use of logic and reason. You can also demonstrate disinterest, or that you are not motivated by personal gain, instead you’re doing others a favor. The person trying to persuade has to highlight an appealing virtue of himself to look like he knows what he’s doing. The seller may also tell them something like “I know it is tedious to pay for and carry an umbrella, but I’ll get you a great price if you buy from me now.” Or something along those lines. They know people always need them in this specific season because it always rains even if it doesn’t look like it will. Sellers are great examples of this since they need to convince people to become clients and buy a product from them.Ī seller may comply with Ethos by telling a potential customer that they have been selling umbrellas for 15 years. It means that the person delivering the message has to be credible.Īccording to Ethos, to be credible, the person needs to be trustworthy, knowledgeable, and experienced, among other virtues.

Think of them as rules for persuading people.Īs one of the persuasive appeals, Ethos is how you convince an audience of your credibility. The words Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are modes of persuasion, used to convince individuals or audiences. Some sources even talk about different meanings, yet the original words are in Aristotle’s work. Rhetoric is the art of persuasion, and one of the three ancient arts of discourse, along with grammar and logic. These three concepts come from Aristotle’s work “Rhetoric,” a treatise on the art of persuasion that dates back to the 4th century BCE, and are all represented by greek words. Most sources fail to explain where these words came from or originated. What is the origin of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos?

What is the difference between Rhetoric vs Manipulation?.

What is the origin of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos?.

Ethos pathos logos meaning