Getting A Toy And A Little Sheldon Cooper

Arguing involves logos, pathos, and ethos. Aristotle said that by combining these  three skills,  we "appeal to the brain, gut, and heart." Of the audience. The brain takes care of organizing ideas, the gut dictates whether the person is trustworthy, and the heart gives us a longing to want to participate.

In the book Thank You For Arguing, the author gives an example of the use of logos, pathos, and ethos, when he mentions an argument with his son. These three skills evened out the playing field since the author knew what he was doing while the boy just did it. This makes me realize we all have an ability to use logos, pathos, and ethos to our advantage.

When a child is trying to convince her parents to buy her a toy, Aristotles big three can come into play so that the toy will actually be bought. The child can pick up the toy and ask her parents to get it for her. If the response is a denial followed by a reason, the child can use what the audience says to work in favor of their argument using logic. Ethos comes into play when the essence of the child is annalized. How can a little kid not be trustworthy and deserving of a toy? The child can observe in her parents eyes that they are about to crack and can now work in some pathos so that seeming to "struggle for self control" (41) and a genuine emotion, will guarantee the buying of the toy.

Pathos adds a little more to the argument because by using sympathy, you understand what the audiences emotion is and you can change it to work in your advantage. The other two skills are as important but emotion always has a lasting effect on others. People remember when you gave them advice from the heart rather than simply pointed out why their problem occurs.

Think of ethos and logos as Sheldon Cooper. His reputation is well known and his logic is outstanding but he always fails in social situations because of his lack of tact. He is missing pathos and is a clear example of how pathos is a key component. If Sheldon life was an argument, he would outshine anyone in the first two skills but would always fail in the end because he lacks the ability to be sympathetic  and can't read other peoples emotions. When he does, its creepy.