My definitions of the three terms are:
Pathos appeals to emotions. In other words, the argument's message is focused to appeal to the viewer's/ reader's emotions. They can do this by adding words or pictures that aim for a certain emotional reaction that may convince the reader/viewer to do something.
Ethos is an argument using credibility to advertise. They do this by adding credible sources or credible quotes to sell their products or by having an expert advertise the product or argument.
Logos persuades an audience by using Logic. This type of argument appeals to Reason.
In the El Paso Outdoors ad I see pathos because the pictures of both cultures united and all the activities that are occuring give you a sense of completion and happiness. The spanish music also makes you feel the rythm go down your spine and makes you want to go out and dance and explore the city of El Paso. It also makes you feel excited to see how great the city really is.
I see logos, which appeals to reason, It tells you to go out and explore first before you can say there's nothing to do. All the pictures of the activities and people smiling and having fun give you a reason to want to go out and explore the city yourself. They also give you a reason not to say there is nothing to do in El Paso.
What do you guys think about what I see in the ad?
Thanks for your help! =)
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Samantha-
ReplyDeleteYour distinctions about types of appeals are great. I think your focus on ethos and credibility is great, but you might want to really think about ethos as having to do with the writer or speaker more than the content of the argument. Using credible sources and quotes gets to more of a logos argument than an ethos one. Ethos is about persona presented through word choice and use of celebrity, such as Britney Spears selling Pepsi or Michael Jordan selling shoes.
I wonder, then, if ethos is part of the EL Paso ad. By selling themselves and the city as truly multicultural the ad builds its ethos. It suggests viewers can relate to the ad and can trust it.
-Jen