WRT 201 Lecture 6: 09.19 Notes Ethos
Document Summary
Chapter 3: ethos arguments based on character. Arguments based on character (ethos) depend on trust. We tend to accept arguments from those we trust, and we trust them because of their reputations. Three elements that compose ethos: credibility, authority, unselfish or clear motives. Trustworthi(cid:374)ess a(cid:374)d (cid:272)redi(cid:271)ility speak to a writer"s ho(cid:374)esty a(cid:374)d respe(cid:272)t for a(cid:374) audie(cid:374)(cid:272)e a(cid:374)d its values. Hu(cid:373)or (cid:272)a(cid:374) play a role i(cid:374) this, (cid:272)o(cid:374)tri(cid:271)uti(cid:374)g to the writer"s likea(cid:271)ility: trustworthiness can also be established by connecting your own beliefs to core principles that are well established and widely respected. In writing a paper, you are attesting to your credibility. Credibility can be based on whether your ideas are reasonable, your sources are reliable, and your language is appropriate to the project.
