Everything is an Argument 1 
Everything is an Argument, Chapter 4
Arguments Based on Facts and Reason: Logos
I. Logos- arguments based on reason, facts, or evidence
a) Inartistic appeals- hard evidence
- Facts
- Clues
- Statistics
- Testimonies
- Witnesses
b) Artistic appeals- reason and common sense - Logic and reason - Mixed with Inartistic (What classifies as common sense?) - Occasionally arguments of future and past (predicting what will happen based on past events)
II. Inartistic Appeals
i. Formatted as Statement (Claim) + Proof (Evidence)
a) Facts- N. a piece of information used as evidence or as part of a report or news article.
- Rely on ethos, credibility, of source
- Subject to bias based on interpretation
- Admitting problems at the beginning makes argument more credible and Trustworthy
b) Statistics- “Figure lie, liars figure”
Often manipulated or interpreted to make a point seem true
a. “The crime rate has been cut in half this year!” Vs.
b. “Out of every 20 citizens will be a victory of crime this year”
c) Surveys and Polls- Most influential type of statistic
Important for political elections, writers must pay close attention
Show majority vs minority opinions, express the will of the people
Questions to consider:
a. Who commissioned the poll?
b. Who is publishing the results?
c. Who was being surveyed? In what proportions?
d. What stakes do these parties have in the outcome?
Results can vary depending on how the question is asked
d) Testimonies, Narratives, and Interviews- Personal experiences
Very convincing when used carefully
Most effective when person has some credibility
a. Example:
i. Interviews with eye witnesses ii. Evaluations of an person or event (be careful of subjectivity)
III. Artistic Appeals
i. Using Reason and Common Sense
a) Logic- formal study of principle of reasoning
Syllogisms- method of deductive reasoning, assuming a major principle applies to all minor cases,
Arguments Based on Facts and Reason: Logos
I. Logos- arguments based on reason, facts, or evidence
a) Inartistic appeals- hard evidence
- Facts
- Clues
- Statistics
- Testimonies
- Witnesses
b) Artistic appeals- reason and common sense - Logic and reason - Mixed with Inartistic (What classifies as common sense?) - Occasionally arguments of future and past (predicting what will happen based on past events)
II. Inartistic Appeals
i. Formatted as Statement (Claim) + Proof (Evidence)
a) Facts- N. a piece of information used as evidence or as part of a report or news article.
- Rely on ethos, credibility, of source
- Subject to bias based on interpretation
- Admitting problems at the beginning makes argument more credible and Trustworthy
b) Statistics- “Figure lie, liars figure”
Often manipulated or interpreted to make a point seem true
a. “The crime rate has been cut in half this year!” Vs.
b. “Out of every 20 citizens will be a victory of crime this year”
c) Surveys and Polls- Most influential type of statistic
Important for political elections, writers must pay close attention
Show majority vs minority opinions, express the will of the people
Questions to consider:
a. Who commissioned the poll?
b. Who is publishing the results?
c. Who was being surveyed? In what proportions?
d. What stakes do these parties have in the outcome?
Results can vary depending on how the question is asked
d) Testimonies, Narratives, and Interviews- Personal experiences
Very convincing when used carefully
Most effective when person has some credibility
a. Example:
i. Interviews with eye witnesses ii. Evaluations of an person or event (be careful of subjectivity)
III. Artistic Appeals
i. Using Reason and Common Sense
a) Logic- formal study of principle of reasoning
Syllogisms- method of deductive reasoning, assuming a major principle applies to all minor cases,