Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students, Chapter 5
This segment of the text was helpful, because it went into great detail the importance of making logical arguments, and how these logical appeals have the power to really strengthen a point that is being made. While we are taught about the three sorts of rhetorical appeals-ethos, pathos, and logos-this chapter highlighted the history, development, and importance of logos, and how this one rhetorical strategy can alter the entire outcome of an argument.
It was very helpful for the authors of this book to break down the segments and meaning of various different aspects within the appeal of logos, such as scientific demonstration, dialectic, rhetoric, and false or contentious reasoning, as well as how to develop a cohesive and strong argument based off of the structure of logos.
I liked how this chapter also highlighted the historical background and development of logos. By providing information on Aristotle, as well as other ancient rhetors, and how they each viewed and used logos to make their arguments, was very insightful. I thought it was very helpful to see how things within an argument are broken up and organized in order to show the overall evolution and development of a particular argument, such as forming the premises and conclusions.
While the historical information that we discussed during this lecture was important, the most important thing that I took away from this class meeting was all of the information that was provided about logical appeals, and how they can truly strengthen an argument. For me, I think logical appeals can be sort of inconclusive and not as strong as the passionate appeals or authoritative and factual appeals. However, after this lecture, we were given the tools necessary to make a strong, logical argument, which will help me to develop as a writer, because I will be able to feel more confident about using these sorts of appeals. I also enjoyed the history information that was provided for this segment, as well.
ReplyDeleteI also found this chapter to be particularly helpful. I have learned about logos and other rhetorical appeals in my other classes, but never to this extent. Logical appeals can both strengthen an argument and as a result produce authority over the audience.
ReplyDelete