Ethos Pathos Logos

Communication is a fundamental building block in the foundation of any civilization. Discourse, speeches, and, written word are among the outlets used to convey ideals and messages that shape a community. Over time, leaders of such societies developed an understanding of the power of word and its ability to enhance its culture and people. Today, rhetoric is known as “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing” (Merriam-Webster). The dictionary gives an easily comprehended definition for a word whose history dates back before the traditional proclamation of the birth of Christ. The roots of rhetoric were established in the Archaic Period with Homer, whose texts laid the groundwork for three types of rhetoric, known as original, …show more content…
Ethos relies on the character of the speaker while pathos is based in emotions that facilitate reasoning. Aristotle believes that these two should be as absent as possible, allowing logos to be the main means of persuasion. Logos in this sense diverts from association with human capacity and focuses on logic. As stated by Aristotle and quoted in Legally Blonde, “the law is reason free from passion.” Logos, the superior form of argument, is utilized in Aristotle’s three forms of rhetoric, which are advisory, judicial, and display. Advisory rhetoric focuses on deliberation and what will occur in the future. This branch of rhetoric attempts to persuade an audience to take or not take an action as seen in debates and political speeches. Judicial rhetoric is seen in law court and forensics as it deciphers past occurrences. It considers the justness of an accusation and is usually utilized in a court setting where the verdict is decided by a judge or jury. The final form is referred to as display or ceremonial rhetoric. This form of epideictic speaking is seen through speeches of praise or blame, such as eulogies or letters of