These two chapters of the “everything’s an argument” book seem to be very important to not just us as writers, but us as citizens. The concept of Ethos or character is one of the most important things in defining someone. A person without good character is likely not to be much of a person at all, certainly someone I have no interest in being associated with. The quality of someone’s character can tell you a lot more about what they value in life and what kind of moral levels they try to uphold.
As mentioned in the book, ethos can also be very instrumental to writers and speakers in convincing their audience that they are credible. Following along the lines of the election, politicians are often faced with the tough challenge of establishing a credible reputation. Senator Obama has faced some harsh criticism (some unfair, some not) about his credentials which are thought by critics to be less than adequate. Being the Commander and Chief of the largest and most powerful military force on the planet is a very daunting task and many wonder if he is up to that challenge. While Obama has struggled some with his character or ethos image, his extraordinary speaking ability and the way that he comes across to people seems to have convinced many that he is the man for the job. He has the emotional appeal (or pathos) down to a head. I mean, for heaven’s sake, people were crying their eyes out as they listened to his speech at the Dem. Convention.
Pathos, or using emotional appeals has always been a great way for speakers to be able to capture their audience’s attention. The best speakers are always those ones who can make you feel as if you are their best friend. They have the ability to make you laugh with them, cry with them, and feel for them as they speak. It can be very hard not to believe what speakers such as these have to say because their emotional appeal with us is so great. Teachers who are able to make their students laugh and incorporate stories of their lives and others into their teachings are often the ones who have the most luck teaching the material. Furthermore, any politician or teacher who is able to establish both pathos and ethos with their voters and with their students is likely to have great success.
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3 comments:
I agree with Tommy in that pathos is an important tool for making an argument. In fact, I think for the general population, pathos would be the most important of the appeals because no one can deny their emotional concerns. I think emotions are the most immediate and strongest feelings one can manipulate when making an argument.
Tommy, I believe - as you do - that ethos and pathos are essentials in not just politics, but everyday citizenship. A person who is both ethically sound and emotionally appealing can go a long way in this world. In your example, Senator Obama is just that person, having climbed the political ladder with his use of strong speaking and genuine concern for his country. I applaud your outlook on the necessity of ethics and emotion.
If I had a tool box to write a paper of course it would include a hammer (ethos) to appropiately insert the nails (pathos) that hold the paper together. It is important to apply both these tools to make an effective argument in any area of life. Love your example of Obama.
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