Using Logos

Introduction

Logos is a persuasive literary and rhetorical device used for logical reasoning, evidence, and factual information to support an argument or point of view. It appeals to the audience’s rational capability by presenting coherent and rational explanations, using statistics, research, and logical connections. Through the use of logos, writers, and speakers aim to convince their audience by demonstrating the validity of their claims.

How to Create Logos

Creating logos involves using logical reasoning, evidence, and arguments to persuade an audience. Here are some steps to help you create logos:

How to Create Logos

1. Identify your audience: Understand who your target audience is. Recognize their characteristics, preferences, and potential biases. Tailor your logical arguments to resonate with their perspectives and values.
2. Define your purpose: Clearly state the objective of your argument. Whether you aim to inform, convince, or persuade, a well-defined purpose guides your logical reasoning and evidence selection.
3. Gather evidence: Collect relevant facts, statistics, research findings, and examples that support your argument. Strong evidence enhances the credibility of your logical appeals and reinforces your position.
4. Structure your argument: Organize your thoughts logically. Present your ideas in a coherent manner, using a clear introduction, a well-structured body with supporting evidence, and a conclusive summary that restates your main points.
5. Use clear and concise language: Employ language that is easily understandable to your audience. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms that could hinder comprehension. Clarity in your language reinforces the strength of your logical appeal.
6. Address counterarguments: Anticipate potential objections or opposing viewpoints. Address these counterarguments logically and respectfully. Demonstrating awareness of alternative perspectives enhances the overall strength of your argument.
7. Revise and edit: Review your argument critically. Ensure the logical flow of your reasoning, the relevance of your evidence, and the overall coherence of your message. Edit for grammar and clarity to eliminate any distractions from your logical appeals.

Remember, the creation of logos involves crafting a persuasive argument based on reason and evidence. By following these steps, you can develop a compelling case that appeals to your audience’s rational thinking and fosters understanding and agreement.

Benefits of Logos

1. Enhances Credibility

Providing logical reasoning and well-supported arguments increases the credibility of your message. When you present facts and evidence in a clear and structured manner, your audience is more likely to trust your perspective and conclusions.

1. Appeals to the Intellect

Using logos in communication appeals to the audience’s intellectual faculties. Logical arguments stimulate thinking and reasoning, engaging the audience’s analytical and rational side. This approach encourages them to process information critically and thoughtfully.

• Strengthens Critical Thinking

Logos prompts the audience to evaluate information objectively. By presenting a well-constructed logical argument, you challenge the audience to consider different viewpoints and assess evidence. This engagement with logic nurtures their critical thinking skills.

• Improves Communication

Incorporating logos in your communication makes your message more organized and coherent. A structured argument is easier for the audience to follow, ensuring that your ideas are conveyed clearly and effectively.

• Encourages Informed Decision-Making

Logos aids in presenting information and evidence necessary for making informed decisions. By relying on logical reasoning and credible data, you empower your audience to make choices based on a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. This contributes to sound decision-making processes.

Logos and Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Critique of Logos	Example
New Criticism Literary Theory	Views logos as a technique for coherence	In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses logical arguments and evidence during Atticus Finch’s courtroom defense, enhancing the plot’s coherence and persuasiveness.
Reader-Response Literary Theory	Emphasizes reader’s logical interpretation	In the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the author presents various logical paths and allows readers to engage their intellect in interpreting the true meaning of the lottery ritual.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Considers logos as a tool of colonization	In Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness, the use of logos by European colonizers serves to justify their actions and reinforce their power over indigenous communities, perpetuating colonial dominance.
Feminist Theory	Explores women’s rational capabilities	In the play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, Nora Helmer challenges patriarchal assumptions through her logical arguments and decision to leave her stifling marriage, asserting her independence and rationality.
Marxist Theory	Highlights the manipulation of logos	George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm portrays the ruling class, represented by the pigs, manipulating logical arguments to maintain their power over the working-class animals, exemplifying the oppressive nature of capitalism.
Deconstruction Theory	Questions about the inherent stability of logos	In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, the character of Hamlet engages in philosophical soliloquies that deconstruct the stability of language and logic, revealing the ambiguity and fragility of logos.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Explores the unconscious influence on logos	In the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot, the speaker’s self-doubt and internal conflicts disrupt the logical coherence of his thoughts, showcasing the unconscious influence of logos.

Suggested Readings

1. Booth, Wayne C., et al. The Craft of Research. 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016.
2. Corbett, Edward P. J., and Robert J. Connors. Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student. 4th ed., Oxford University Press, 1998.
3. Kennedy, George A. Classical Rhetoric and Its Christian and Secular Tradition from Ancient to Modern Times. University of North Carolina Press, 1999.
4. Lanham, Richard A. Analyzing Prose. 2nd ed., Continuum, 2003.
5. Perelman, Chaim, and L. Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
6. Richards, I. A. The Philosophy of Rhetoric. Oxford University Press, 1936.
7. Rosenwasser, David, and Jill Stephen. Writing Analytically. 8th ed., Cengage Learning, 2017.

More from Literary Devices:

• Internal Rhyme: A Poetic Device
• Hypophora: Using and Critiquing It
• Hypophora: A Rhetorical Device