Chapter 14 & Classical Argument

The sample argument I chose was gay marriage should be legalized because doing so will promote faithful, monogamous relationships among lesbians and gay men. The appeal to ethos in this argument is based on the credibility. You could say they have done extensive research, or simply demonstrate how much they know about gay and lesbian marriage, causing the readers to trust you. In addition, briefly acknowledging the opposing side to gay marriage would show the readers that they are aware there is another side, but your side is better. Also, if you relate to your readers and to a feeling or a belief you already know they share will demonstrate your trustworthiness and show the readers you care about their beliefs. Appealing to logos would require you to show your readers that the logical, simple answer is to legalize gay marriage. Stating facts and statistics to show why it is a good idea and how it would be beneficial to them and to society would help tremendously with the appeal to logos. Appealing to pathos with this argument would be touching on the emotions of the readers. Evoking sympathy, such as making them think about if they couldn't marry the person they love, would accomplish this. Although the audience could be of mixed beliefs (both for and against gay marriage), you could appeal to the audience's emotions by telling them it would create more faithful, monogomous relationships. Not many logical fallacies could be used in this argument, but possibly either/or reasoning. Overall, this argument would be most effective when appeals to ethos and pathos were used, as this is a touchy subject in our society today.

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