Elements of Rhetoric 792014 English 1301 Composition Rhetoric

Elements of Rhetoric 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Definition • Rhetoric—is the art of using language to communicate effectively and has been a major part of Western education since the Ancient Greeks. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Appeals in Writing Three Types of Appeals Exist These are rhetorical devices used to enhance observations in research papers: A. logos— (rational) B. pathos— (emotional ) C. ethos— (ethical ) 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Purposes These are similar to the different purposes for papers: inform, persuade, speculate, entertain, incite, instigate All three of these purposes (logos, pathos, ethos) can be merged into one paper; the longer the work, the greater the necessity for multiple intentions. Likewise, just as one essay can fulfill multiple purposes, one essay can use multiple appeals; the purpose of the work controls the type of appeal in use. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Pathos (emotional) • When using a persuasive purpose, an emotional appeal works best. • Emotional, personal writing produces a reaction from the audience. • In this fashion, for personal essays, pathos works best to connect with readers. • When analyzing an emotional appeal, look carefully at the writer’s emotionally charged words and the nature of their use. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Pathos (emotional) When reading an emotional appeal, be sure to determine: • What emotion is the writer wanting you to feel? • What manner is figurative language being used? • Is the audience being manipulated? • Is the emotion consistent with the purpose? • Is the emotion appropriate to the audience, the situation, and the subject? • Is the emotion a dominant part of the essay (which shows a bias) or do rational arguments appear the main focus? • Is the emotional material used to clarify a complex argument? 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Pathos (emotional) Some theorists believe emotional defenses are stronger than logical defenses. • When used appropriately the audience feels sympathy to the writer’s cause. • However, it is best to avoid loaded language or emotionally charged phrases. • If used incorrectly, the material shown can be seen as sentimental and forced. • If over-used, the audience may feel manipulated. • Do not over exaggerate in order to build a sense of empathy. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Pathos (emotional) Example of pathos-driven material: The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given; and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty is its course, when once it is let loose. It is true, that judgment against your evil works has not been executed hitherto; the floods of God's vengeance have been withheld; but your guilt in the mean time is constantly increasing, and you are every day treasuring up more wrath; the waters are constantly rising, and waxing more and more mighty; and there is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, that holds the waters back, that are unwilling to be stopped, and press hard to go forward. — Jonathan Edwards, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” delivered July 8, 1741 in Enfield, Connecticut 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Logos (rational) Using a rational appeal requires a burden of proof, or claim. • Academic writing requires evidence to back up observations: • records, statistics, facts, quotes from authorities • Your thesis statement is logos-driven. • Your evidence is fact-based, without an overt bias, shown in clear language. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Logos (rational) Most importantly, avoid fallacies: mistaken logic, based on a flawed argument Avoid: • faulty ad hoc reasoning • present only one side to an argument • falsify information (fake credentials) • provide weak induction or deduction • red herrings (mislead or distract reader from main point of discussion) or straw man techniques. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Logos (rational) Red Herrings: see Texas State University web site for examples: http: //www. txstate. edu/philosophy/resourc es/fallacy-definitions/Red-Herring. html Straw Man: misrepresent your opponent’s view points or draw attention away from your weaker argument by pointing out other issues — commonly used with an audience with limited information on the full argument 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Logos > Five Types of Claims Rational appeals utilize different types of claims. 1. factual claim: declarative sentence that states • a current reality: – Austin is the capital of Texas. • a future condition: – The US plans to colonize Mars by 2025. (Mars One) • a past event: – Vikings discovered the New World hundreds of years before Columbus. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Logos > Five Types of Claims 2. value claim: opinion based declarative promoting personal feelings or tastes, • detailing preference between two objects, people, situations. – The book, Ulysses, is James Joyce’s strongest, and most complex, novel. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Logos > Five Types of Claims 3. a moral claim is made on the basis of a prescribed code of values (not necessarily religious): Despite the school board’s intentions, teaching creationism in a high school science class does not offer a well-rounded education. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Logos > Five Types of Claims 4. causal claims: asserts and defines causes for an event or situation: Slavery was only one cause of the American Civil War. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Logos > Five Types of Claims 5. deliberative claim: a declarative sentence which asserts something should or should not be done. Capital punishment is a necessary deterrent to crime and should continue as a part of Texas’ legal process. 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Ethos (ethical) Ethos is the most complicated portion of the rhetorical process • applies to good debate tactics and public speaking • borders on philosophical approaches to your particular life values and at the same time establishes your tone of authority—in an honest fashion • you display ethical behavior while presenting the various sides of an argument • avoidance of plagiarism or theft of another writer’s ideas 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor

Ethos (ethical) To Break this Down Further, An Ethical Writer: • presents both sides of the issue in a parallel fashion; seeks out a compromise between the two sides and allows equal time for different points of view (see Rogerian Method) • provides multiple resources in accurate fashion to show a sense of authority • when appropriate, supplies credentials as defense • does not sentimentalize the argument with excessive pathos • can challenge other ideas in non-offensive manner • maintains good intentions throughout paper • presents tone of honesty and good-will, avoiding sarcasm, condescension, and bullying 7/9/2014 English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor