Logos Appeals

"Logical" within the realm of rhetoric deals with...


Premise: As someone's building an argument, a premise is an unstated assumption on which the argument is grounded.



Probability: likelihood; conclusion-> statements about human behavior-> common ideas/interests that people share.


Deductive Reasoning: If premises are true, then the conclusion must be true. Movement from general principles (class of items) to specific cases.



Inductive Reasoning: Movement from specific cases to general principles. "The skilled pilot is the best pilot. The skilled chariot is the best chariot. Therefore, a skilled person is the best person."


Enthymeme: Premises are unstated in the argument. Rhetorical arguments founded on assumptions that remain unstated.

If evidence doesn't fit the defendant, then you must aquit the defendant.

• Grounded in community values. -> Major Premise
• The glove is evidence. -> Unstated Minor Premise
• The glove doesn't fit the defendant. -> Stated Minor Premise
• If the glove doesn't fit, you must aquit.

Commercial: "Did anyone stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night?"

• We need some one who stayed at a Holiday Inn Express to help this man. -> Argument
• Smart people are the best people to handle difficult situations. -> Major Premise
• People who stay at a Hoida Inn Express are smart. -> Minor Premise