Because I said so... Not good evidence, Not any more. Unforgettably, this type of evidence is used too often with my friends and family. They use there ethos to over ride any attempts to contradict their authority. The irony is, without data, extrinsic proofs, or the use of antithesis, they loose their credibility as a leader and as an authoritative figure. Why? These attributes are essential to making a meaningful proposition.
Contradictory to the fact that proofs, data and testimonies are good tools to use in propositions, they are not popular in modern rhetoric. Many people forgo these qualities and simply use fallacies to support their argument. Some how the art of argument and propositions have been lost throughout the generations.
Noticing how much I have learned and grown throughout my college career. Recently, I looked back on my scholarship essays that I have submitted to various organizations. I have noticed a huge difference between my reasoning in 2006 and now in 2010. Back when I was in high school, I did not know how to convey myself as a deserving student for a scholarship. Now, I utilize my knowledge that I gained in my college career. I have written a better essay and increased my chance of getting a scholarship.
In conclusion, being able to write an effective proposition is an asset. One should be encouraged to write effectively, and it should be reworded. I am being reworded by getting scholarships and doing well in school. These attributes are often over looked by modern rhetoricians, and it is truly unfortunate.
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I agree with you, I rather have evidence presented to me from hard facts not from someone who thinks they're an authority. A lot of people, like family members, think they're an authority because of their age. That doesn't mean anything to me now days, either.Good job!
ReplyDeleteYou are right that we have all grown so much since high school. And it is unfortunate that proper and effective arguing has been lost throughout the generations. Age just doesn't give you authority though. It matters what position you are in though because as an authoritative figure it gives you a leg up over other people.
ReplyDeleteData and statistics are valuable tools to any rhetorical suitation but I feel that they are not enough. Hence, " in the name of the ethos, pathos, and logos" . . . wouldnt work if it was just "in the name of the logos." Personal authority brings in a great deal of ethos and pathos, both of which are essential. The entire rhetorical triligy must be applied to every rhetorical suitation. A good rhetorician knows what dose of each (ethos, pathos, logos) that should be given to any given audiance.
ReplyDeleteI think that facts can be as misleading if not more misleading than than any argument that can be invented intrinsically. For example how accurate is a survey taken regarding the percentage of Americans depressed that was given out only at a country club, or only at a soup kitchen. Extrinsic proofs can be extremely persuasive due to their implied ethos, however can be extremely misleading and close ended for discussion. The important thing to remember in argumentation is that its cerebral, not always about being right, it is about discussion and trade of ideas in order to narrow ones view on a subject until he or she is able to render an educated opinion they can defend.
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