User:Nhampton1/Ethos

Rhetoric[edit]
In rhetoric, ethos is one of the three artistic proofs (pistis, πίστις) or modes of persuasion (other principles being logos and pathos) discussed by Aristotle in 'Rhetoric' as a component of argument. Speakers must establish ethos from the start. This can involve "moral competence" only; Aristotle, however, broadens the concept to include expertise and knowledge. Ethos is limited, in his view, and cannot be applied to every type of speech. Others, however, contend that a speaker's ethos extends to and is shaped by the overall moral character and history of the speaker—that is, what people think of his or her character before the speech has even begun (cf Isocrates).

According to Aristotle, there are three categories of ethos:


 * phronesis – useful skills & practical wisdom
 * arete – virtue, goodwill
 * eunoia – goodwill towards the audience

In a sense, ethos does not belong to the speaker but to the audience and it's appealing to the audience's emotions. Thus, it is the audience that determines whether a speaker is a high- or a low-ethos speaker. Violations of ethos include:


 * The speaker has a direct interest in the outcome of the debate (e.g. a person pleading innocence of a crime);
 * The speaker has a vested interest or ulterior motive in the outcome of the debate;
 * The speaker has no expertise (e.g. a lawyer giving a speech on space flight is less convincing than an astronaut giving the same speech).

Completely dismissing an argument based on any of the above violations of ethos is an informal fallacy (Appeal to motive). The argument may indeed be suspect; but is not, in itself, invalid.

Examples of ethos:

I am a climate scientist I can tell you about climate change and its affects on the environment.

As a history teacher I am qualified to hold this Gettysburg address tour today. 

Additional Reading

http://www.joycerain.com/uploads/2/3/2/0/23207256/essential_guide_to_rhetoric.pdf