Which is an example of a negative emotion?


A systematic approach to argument/persuasion dates back to Aristotle’s Rhetoric, advice to orators written in about 350 B.C.E. Aristotle focused on three appeals or basic areas of concern which he labeled logos (logic, content, evidence), ethos (ethics, credibility, authority), and pathos (empathy, sympathy, understanding the audience). The most effective persuasion, he asserted, occurs when the orator has a clear understanding and effective control of all three appeals.


Aristotle’s advice was refined in 1958 in The Uses of Argument by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin, who focused on logical methods of constructing persuasive arguments. The Toulmin model emphasizes a clearly stated claim, convincing evidence, and adequate connections (warrants) between the two. In a pure sense, the Toulmin model should persuade based on the merits of the argument itself, pretty much regardless of the audience.

--Examine quotes or images from the formal and informal text or visual-based resources so as to significantly comment on the relevance and impact of those selected images/words.

To see what a misuse of logical appeals might consist of, see

Note: When a logos appeal is based on unsound reasoning, it is called a logical fallacy (hyper link to logical fallacies resources).

We like to think that our legal system operates according to the Toulmin model: a claim of guilt or innocence, supported by legally admissible evidence argued by opposing sides according to the letter of the law (warrants) and judged on the basis of social assumptions and qualifiers of reasonable doubt, with cross examination providing rebuttal of claims, leads to a verdict of guilt or innocence. Everything should fall into place in this model, and ideally the argument will stand on its own merits, without emotional arm-twisting.

Contrary to popular opinion, arguing is not fighting. Argument requires logic, evidence, and a persuasive appeal to a target audience; arguments are won through convincing persuasion, not through beating the opposition over the head with a chair.

Toulmin’s logical approach, however, was further refined by psychologist Carl Rogers. Rogers asserted that the key to effective persuasion is in bridging the gap between the arguer and the audience, usually by finding some sort of common ground. He emphasized the importance of knowing, and playing upon, the audience’s needs, beliefs, expectations, fears, desires, etc.—the emotional aspects of an individual or group which both influence and determine action and response on a psychological level. Theoretically, a skilled orator/writer could work an audience into a frenzy through appealing to emotional hot buttons to persuade that audience to assent to the orator/writer’s position. Advertising is very good at employing this kind of approach.


Example of an Appeal to Emotion

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Example of Deductive Reasoning Using a Syllogism:

To help maximize the opportunity to construct a persuasive argument, there are several things you can do. They start with your own approach to and familiarity with the issue under argument, and extend through the evidence you can amass to your understanding of and approach to your audience.

Example of an Appeal to Emotion

--Apply proper P.I.E. paragraph structures to the essay so as to outline and organize the major points consistent with the essay's thesis statement;

Logical appeals rest on rational modes of thinking, such as

1. What is your arguable claim? Your first step is to settle on an issue (either one assigned to you or of your own choosing) and take a stand on it. An arguable claim tells your readers what subject or issue you will address and what position you will support regarding that issue. Arguability implies that there are at least two sides to the issue, so keep in mind that you should be aware of an opposing point of view. Keep in mind also that how you phrase your claim has important implications regarding its arguability. For instance,

Rhetorical Appeals (Logos, Pathos, Ethos)

When writers misuse logos, pathos, or ethos, arguments can be weakened. Above, we defined and described what logos, pathos, and ethos are and why authors may use those strategies. Sometimes, using a combination of logical, pathetic, and ethical appeals leads to a sound, balanced, and persuasive argument. It is important to understand, though, that using rhetorical appeals does not always lead to a sound, balanced argument. In fact, any of the appeals could be misused or overused. And when that happens, arguments can be weakened.