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Definition of Logos
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is an argument that appeals to... read full definition
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is... read full definition
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... read full definition
Logos
Explanation and Analysis—If This, Then That:
King's speech contains a logical argument within its colorful images and its hopeful dreaming. In so arguing, he employs logos, in addition to ethos and pathos. The argument is that racism is the only thing preventing America from becoming a great nation. If this hope is met, it is not a question that America will be a great nation—it is the logical outcome. The strength of this logical argument makes the speech more rhetorically effective. King concludes this argument near the end of the speech:
With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day when all God's children will be able to sing with new meaning—"my country 'tis of thee; sweet land of liberty; of thee I sing; land where my fathers died; land of the pilgrims' pride; from every mountainside, let freedom ring"—and if America is to become a great nation, this must become true.
This aspirational statement is set up like a logical argument: if this, then that. If Americans follow King's dream, America "must" become a great nation. Note that, despite all the discussion of "dream" and "faith," King still has an unshakable confidence in his belief, shown through forward-looking statements using words like "will" and "must" that convey his certainty. He has this confidence because he is convinced of his logical argument, and he intends that it convince his audience as well.
Related Themes:
