Assignment Question

Attached is the discussion that entails the problem explore on final paper. Attached part 1 and 2 of my portfolio so you can use as reference and correlate with discussion. 250 words Minimum APA Format Appeals of ethos :https://writingcommons.org/article/pathos/ https://writingcommons.org/article/ethos/

Assignment Answer

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of persuasive communication, practitioners deploy a myriad of appeals to captivate their audience (McIntyre; Gayle). This essay embarks on an exhaustive exploration of ethos and pathos, pivotal components in the tapestry of persuasive communication. Ethos, as a persuasive instrument, hinges on the credibility and authority vested in the speaker or writer. Conversely, pathos capitalizes on emotional appeal, aiming to forge a profound connection with the audience (McIntyre; Gayle). A nuanced comprehension of these appeals proves imperative for effective communication, as exemplified through the lens of political advertisements and after-school specials.

Persuasive communication is an art form that relies on a strategic blend of appeals to sway an audience toward a particular viewpoint or action. Among these appeals, ethos and pathos stand out as influential elements, each playing a unique role in shaping the persuasiveness of a message. Ethos, rooted in the teachings of Aristotle, revolves around the credibility and authority of the speaker or writer. It delves into the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to the perceived trustworthiness of the communicator. On the other hand, pathos taps into the emotional realm of the audience, aiming to evoke feelings that create a connection and resonate with the message. Together, these appeals form the backbone of persuasive communication, and understanding their nuances is crucial for effective discourse.

Ethos: Building Credibility and Authority

At the heart of persuasive communication lies ethos, a concept deeply ingrained in the teachings of Aristotle (Aristotle). Aristotle posited that persuasion is achieved when the speaker’s personal character is such that the audience perceives them as credible and trustworthy. In this regard, intrinsic authority plays a pivotal role. Intrinsic authority stems from the rhetor’s personal attributes, such as work experience, education, or moral standing. For instance, a speaker with a background in finance may inherently possess authority when discussing economic matters.

This intrinsic authority is not solely about who the person is but also about how well they can articulate their thoughts on a particular topic. Aristotle emphasized that persuasion should be achieved by what the speaker says, not merely by the preconceived notions the audience holds about their character. However, in the contemporary age of information, the speaker’s character and achievements often influence how the audience perceives their authority. In an era dominated by quick access to information, the speaker’s background can impact the audience’s reception of their message.

Moreover, the concept of borrowed credibility comes into play when the speaker lacks sufficient inherent authority. Borrowed credibility involves citing credible sources, thereby borrowing their authority to bolster one’s argument. The Yale University Writing Center encourages the incorporation of other people’s ideas into writing, as it allows the writer to stand on the shoulders of those with established credibility. For example, quoting an expert like Aristotle can enhance the credibility of an argument, especially when the writer may not possess adequate authority on the subject.

Nevertheless, the cautionary note is sounded against accepting appeals to ethos blindly. In a rhetorical situation, where a speaker selectively reveals aspects of their character, it becomes crucial for the audience to critically evaluate the information presented. M. Jimmie Killingsworth, a scholar of rhetoric, emphasizes that an author’s position is not a comprehensive personal account but a strategically revealed aspect pertinent to the rhetorical work at hand. This highlights the complexity of ethos in persuasive communication, where the speaker shares a curated version of themselves to enhance their credibility selectively.

Pathos: The Power of Emotional Appeal

In the realm of persuasion, pathos emerges as a potent force, working hand in hand with ethos to influence the audience. Pathos involves the strategic use of emotional appeal to create a connection between the audience and the message. It taps into the audience’s emotions, aiming to evoke empathy, fear, joy, or any other sentiment that resonates with the persuasive intent (McIntyre; Gayle).

This emotional appeal is manifested through various means, including narratives, images, and quotations. Narratives or anecdotes are powerful tools in deploying pathos as they humanize the message and make it relatable. For instance, initiating an essay on human trafficking with a personal story of a victim creates an emotional impact, fostering a connection between the audience and the issue. Additionally, images or other forms of media contribute to the emotional appeal. They have the ability to evoke strong emotional responses, making the message more memorable and impactful. Quotations, especially those from individuals personally affected by an issue, serve as emotional triggers, humanizing the subject matter and appealing to the audience’s emotions.

However, the strategic use of pathos requires a delicate balance. While emotional appeal can enhance the persuasiveness of a message, an excess of pathos can be counterproductive. A case in point is the post-9/11 discourse, where references to the tragic event were extensively used in political campaigns. While the majority of people in the United States experienced intense emotions of anger and fear post-9/11, the exploitation of these emotions in political campaigns led to public outrage. The audience felt that their profound feelings about the tragedy were being manipulated for political gains, highlighting the need for a judicious use of emotional appeal in persuasive communication.

Fallacious Appeals: Understanding the Pitfalls

Within both ethos and pathos, fallacious appeals can undermine the integrity of persuasive communication. Recognizing and avoiding these pitfalls is essential for maintaining the effectiveness and credibility of an argument. Ad hominem attacks, arguments from false authority, and the use of emotive language are among the fallacies that can compromise the persuasive intent (Aristotle; Killingsworth).

Ad hominem attacks involve attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself. For instance, discrediting someone’s advice on drinking less by pointing out their own drinking habits is an ad hominem attack. The validity of the argument should be evaluated on its own terms, separate from the person making the claim.

Arguments from false authority occur when an individual is presented as an expert in a specific field, even if their expertise is irrelevant to the subject at hand. Quoting a chiropractor as an expert on heart disease in a paper discussing cardiovascular health is an example of this fallacy. Investigating the credentials of the speaker or writer becomes crucial when faced with an argument from authority.

Emotive language, while a legitimate tool in pathos, can turn fallacious when emotional words are used without supporting evidence or relevance to the argument. For instance, using graphic descriptions or extreme analogies in abortion debates may shift the focus from medical or legal rights to emotive language, detracting from the substance of the argument.

Application of Ethos and Pathos in Real-world Examples

The theoretical concepts of ethos and pathos find vivid manifestation in real-world examples, spanning political speeches to media texts (McIntyre; Gayle). These examples illustrate how the interplay of credibility and emotional appeal shapes persuasive communication in diverse contexts.

Political speeches often leverage ethos by referencing the speaker’s experience, education, or moral standing. A politician highlighting their years of public service and contributions to the community aims to establish trustworthiness and credibility. Simultaneously, pathos is strategically employed by politicians using symbols or narratives that resonate emotionally with the audience. A candidate delivering a speech in front of an American flag associates themselves with the symbol, tapping into the emotions tied to patriotism.

Media texts also adeptly incorporate ethos and pathos to enhance their persuasiveness. An after-school special, for instance, might use intrinsic authority by featuring characters with relatable experiences or moral dilemmas. Simultaneously, the emotional narratives within the show aim to connect with the audience on a personal level, fostering empathy and understanding. In the business communication context provided by the user, these rhetorical appeals are likely at play, as the writer seeks to persuade through a combination of credibility and emotional resonance.

This real-world application underscores the dynamic nature of ethos and pathos, showcasing their adaptability across different mediums and genres of communication. The strategic use of these appeals is not confined to academic discussions but extends to the pragmatic realm of influencing opinions, decisions, and actions.

Conclusion: Striking a Balance for Persuasive Success

In conclusion, the intricate art of persuasive communication necessitates a delicate equilibrium between ethos and pathos (Aristotle; McIntyre; Gayle). Writers and orators must deftly navigate the fine line between establishing credibility and evoking emotional responses to craft compelling arguments. An intricate understanding of these appeals empowers communicators to influence and persuade diverse audiences effectively.

In the evolving landscape of persuasive communication, the synergy between ethos and pathos forms the crux of successful persuasion. The judicious use of intrinsic and borrowed authority, coupled with the strategic deployment of emotional appeal, allows communicators to construct robust arguments that resonate with their audience. Whether in political discourse, media narratives, or business communication, the application of these rhetorical appeals shapes the contours of effective persuasion.

References 

Aristotle. (2007). On rhetoric (W. Rhys Roberts, Trans.). The Internet classics archive. Web Atomic and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Killingsworth, M. J. (2005). Rhetorical appeals: A revision. Rhetoric Review, 24(3). 249–63.

Yale Writing Center. (2009). “Why cite?” The Writing Center. Yale University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do ethos and pathos contribute to persuasive communication?

A: Ethos focuses on credibility and authority, while pathos taps into emotional appeal, both playing pivotal roles in shaping persuasive messages.

Q: Can you provide real-world examples of ethos and pathos in action?

A: Yes, political speeches often leverage ethos by highlighting the speaker’s credentials, while media texts use emotional narratives to connect with audiences.

Q: What are fallacious appeals, and how do they impact persuasive communication?

A: Fallacious appeals, such as ad hominem attacks and emotive language, can undermine the integrity of arguments by diverting attention from the substance of the message.

Q: How does borrowed credibility work in persuasive communication?

A: Borrowed credibility involves citing credible sources to enhance one’s argument, as exemplified by quoting experts like Aristotle to bolster the writer’s authority.

Q: Why is a judicious use of emotional appeal important in persuasive communication?

A: An excess of emotional appeal can be counterproductive, as seen in the post-9/11 political discourse, where an overload of pathos led to public outrage and a sense of manipulation.

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