Instructions

The Introduction

Write an introduction that introduces the concepts of logos, pathos, and ethos, and then promises to look Kelton’s presentation, evaluating the use of each of these modes of persuasion within them.

End the introduction with a direct, blunt thesis statement. If you are still unsure of how to compose a thesis statement, read the corresponding chapter in the Essays are Easy link. If you are still confused, use this one: “The following paragraphs will analyze the use of Aristotle’s three modes of persuasion, logos, pathos, & ethos, as they are employed in a political video by Stephanie Kelton.

The Body of your Essay

Within each section, follow this approach for analysis:

1. Write a paragraph about who the “real persuader” is. Look her up and tell us a bit about her– ( Hint: she advised the Sander’s campaing in the last two elections and now her ideas have been adopted by Biden & Harris, as well as Congress)

2. Explain which level of stasis at which the central argument of this video is arguing. Are we establishing a fact? Are we trying to define a thing? Are we evaluating a thing? Are we judging something? The video may argue more than one level.

3. Write a paragraph that describes (or quotes) two things the video producer (the persuader) did to enhance the credibility (ethos) of the overall production.

4. Write two paragraphs that each describe an “argument” or “claim” made by Kelton. State the substance of the argument, then discuss the strength of the evidence used to support it. For example, the Kelton video claims that adding government debt does not cause inflation, and they cite the case of the Japanese to “demonstrate” that this is “probably” true. (always probable, never 100%). Discuss the logical consistency of the argument, as well as the quality and “appropriateness” of their evidence.

5. Write a paragraph that describes any appeals to a viewer’s emotions that helps to make the video more persuasive. Since nobody in either video cries, yells, or shows pics of dead baby seals, this task will be more difficult. Look for subtle appeals to emotions. Hint: Kelton appeals to hope? How does she do it?

Your Conclusion

Begin your conclusion by discussing the “1-2-3 punch” that these three modes of persuasion provide for any persuasive discourse.

Evaluate the skillfulness of Kelton in her persuasive attempts, in terms of logos, pathos and ethos. Use these terms (so you get comfortable using them. You can call them logical argument, emotional appeals, and credibility).

Then “rant” about how you believe that the persuasive attempts were either honest, genuine efforts to persuade in the shared best interests of everyone … OR … were sneaky, disingenuous, cheating attempts at sophistry which will lead people into poverty or worse. You are evaluating here.

Conclude by discussing the importance of all three modes of persuasion, and especially the ethical use of each one.