Argumentation-Persuasion

English 1301LR-472

What is Argumentation?

• The use of clear thinking and logic, the writer tries to convince readers of the soundness of a particular opinion on a controversial issue.

What is Persuasion?

• Using emotional language and dramatic appeals to readers’ concerns, beliefs, and values.

• Encourages reader to commit themselves to a course of action.

Argumentation & Persuasion

People respond rationally and emotionally to situations, therefore

• Argumentation and persuasion are combined.

When Argument and Persuasion Blend …

• Emotion supports rather than replaces logic and sound reasoning.

Argumentation-Persuasion and Purpose

Writing can be a

• Causal analysis

• Descriptive piece

• Narrative

• Definition

More than just a Point of View

• Assumes controversy

• Addresses opposing viewpoints

According to ancient Greeks ...

There are three factors crucial to the effectiveness of argumentation-persuasion:

• Logos

• Pathos

• Ethos

Logos

Main concern in essay.

The soundness of the argument:

• The facts

• Statistics

• Examples

Logos continued …

Authoritative statements

• Unified

• Specific

• Adequate

• Accurate

• Representative

Pathos

Appeals to readers’

• Needs

• Values

• Attitudes

• Encouraging them to commit

Advertising & Propaganda rely on pathos to the exclusion of logic.

Ethos

Credibility and Integrity

• Share experiences

• Present a logical, reasoned argument that takes into account the opposing point of view.

• Make sure emotions and appeals are not excessive.

• Overwrought emotionalism undercuts credibility.

Ethos IS NOT constant.

Logos, Pathos, Ethos

• Involve an interplay of all three.

• Balance is determined by the audience.

Audience will fall into three broad categories:

• Supportive

• Wavering

• Hostile

The Audience

Supportive

• Don’t need highly reasoned argument

• Solidify support (logos).

• Can rely on pathos.

The Audience continued …

A Wavering Audience

• Open, but not committed.

• Concentrate on ethos and logos

The Audience continued …

A hostile Audience

• An apathetic, skeptical, or hostile audience is the most difficult to convince.

• Avoid emotional appeals

• Use logical reasoning and hard-to-dispute facts (logos).

Begin

• Identify the controversy surrounding the issue and state your position in the thesis.

• Provide readers with strong support for the thesis.

• Seek to create good will.

• Organize the supporting evidence.

• Use Rogerian strategy to acknowledge differing viewpoints. (Seek out and acknowledge conflict viewpoints.)