beautefantasy

wretchedoftheearth:

1. There are good arguments to present to people aimed at reducing their consumption of meat and animal-based products, however MOST OF YOU DON’T SEEM TO USE THEM. Stop using flawed emotion-based arguments and arguments based on shame. Stop ignoring the fact that not…

Let me teach you about argument.

First, one can choose to use ethos, in which they establish their credibility. This is called the ethical appeal. However, do not confuse this with appealing to one’s ethics, for that is pathos(see below). Ethos is where the author establishes their credentials by showing they are a knowledgeable about their subject in argument and therefore respectable and worthy of being listened to.

Secondly, one can choose to use pathos, in which they appeal to one’s emotions or the “greater good.” This is called the emotional appeal. This is established by a great deal of techniques such as using subjective words, making comparisons, creating scenarios, using the five senses, etc. Anything, so long as it follows the ethics of argument, is used to try to make the author’s audience empathize.

Lastly, one can choose to use logos, in which they reason. This is called the logical appeal. This is where the author uses hard evidence, or logic, in order to back up their claims or to rebut opposing claims. Inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning may be used in logos. Inductive reasoning is where one argues from the specific into the general, while deductive reasoning is where one argues from the general to specific regarding the topic.

The solid, most effective arguments are those that include all three appeals: the ethical, the emotional, and the logical. Just because you don’t like it when vegans use the emotional appeal to try to persuade others does not mean they should stop using one of the most powerful and effective aspects of argument when done ethically(As you may or may not know, there are ethics in argument, such as no disrespect, no insults, and no aggression, just to name a few that many use while attacking their opponents).

(via dougcmatthews)