Invention of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

“Honesty Is Always the Best Policy” Michael Lemonick

In Michael Lemonick’s article, “Honesty Is Always the Best Policy”, he initially establishes a foundation in which he builds upon the relationship between the author and the audience by the delivery of his introductive paragraph. The ways in which Lemonick plays on the notion of pathos is by his ability to focus the audience’s attention to his honesty within his attempts to persuade. He boldly pronounces, “Journalism simply gives me a way to make a living.” This proclamation in which he argues that honesty is always the best policy connects the reader in such a way that they can effortlessly depend upon his relevance as a scholar and devote their efforts in understanding his point of view. The invention of how he addresses this seemingly--complex subject of scientific matter, strengthens his ability to persuade the audience.

Lemonick conveys to the audience that, “I’m still refining my own sense of judgment” within his beliefs and challenges of the matter of climate change. Selzer asserts in his scholarly article, “Rhetorical Analysis: Understanding How Texts Persuade Readers”, “features of texts related to the trustworthiness and credibility of the rhetor.” (Selzer 284) This demonstration is an invention of ethos, where by his method of honesty gains public credibility.

The objective matter in which Lemonick draws upon is the ‘complex and messy’ nature of science and how he strives to see the truth emerge. He meticulously places sound reasoning throughout his arguments to convey intellectual knowledge of the content. This appearance of reasoning connects strongly to logos. Lemonick brilliantly ties together Aristotelian terms of ethos, pathos, and logos with his invention in the delivery, arrangement, and style of his piece. He crafts strong logical reasoning, attached to persuasive methods of delivery in capturing the devotion of his audience.