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The Rhetorical Triangle
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The Rhetorical Triangle
Good arguments may depend upon an equilibrium or balance between these three
aspects: logic, emotion, and credibility, aspects of which Aristotle would describe as the
rhetorical triangle. Karin Kirk, in her article, “The number of lives that clean energy could save,
by U.S. state,” presents a point to present the case of using clean energy, including all three
rhetorical appeals: logos, pathos, and ethos. In my paper, I intend to apply the same strategies in
championing a cleaner, healthier, and fairer energy future.
My Approach on How I Will Use the Three Rhetorical Appeals in My Paper
Logos
I will rely on facts and statistics released in the Net Zero America study to make a logical
argument on clean energy. To illustrate, I will introduce statistics pointing out that the transition
to renewables would lead to 400,000 premature deaths by 2050 and avert $3.5 trillion in
economic harms (Kirk, 2022). More credentials are provided by state-specific data, such as
Illinois, saving $52 billion by quitting the use of coal. These facts are logical and contribute to
creating a proper evidence-based argument.
Pathos
To target my readers' emotions, I will note that fossil fuel pollution negatively affects
actual human beings, particularly communities with low income and BIPOC inhabitants who live
close to the refineries or in high-traffic areas. The article reveals that 50,000 lives are lost
annually through air pollution in the U.S. Posting such a human price will aid in the appeal to
compassion and urgency (Kirk, 2022). I aim to inform and make readers care about the health
and justice sides of energy reform.
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Ethos
Authoritative sources such as Princeton University and the Environmental Protection
Agency will enhance my credibility. A researcher of the Net Zero America study, Erin Mayfield,
has a particular expertise and is also interested in environmental justice. This establishes
credibility with readers in that my arguments are based on quality research and care about the
well-being of the people.
Appeals of Rhetoric Used
Kirk employs all three appeals successfully. Logos is the most powerful, and it is data
about health, economics, and outcomes at the state level. Pathos shows itself in her arguments on
social injustice and health inequities. The appeal to ethos is due to the credible sources and
professional voices used in the article.
The Success of Appeals of Rhetoric
In general, the appeals are very effective. A combination of logical evidence to prove the
point and an emotional level that provides urgency and a substantial moral impact makes the case
hard to refute (Sichach, 2024). The reference to reputable sources such as Princeton increases the
article's reliability. Moreover, all these appeals form a balanced and compelling argument.
Cases of Rhetoric Appeals Failure
The weakness of the rhetorical appeals is the absence of individual cases. The article
concerns the group-level harm, but it could have been more impactful in the case of firsthand
testimonies or interviews. It also fails to discuss entirely possible objections, such as the capital
expenditures of energy infrastructure.
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Readers and the Corresponding Match of the Article
The target audience will be environmentally conscious people, students, teachers, and
politicians. Kirk’s (2022) article is quite appropriate as it has been written in an accessible
language, presented persuasive data, and, finally, carried a balanced tone. It teaches without
preaching, and encourages without feeling guilty.
Conclusion
An interesting case to discuss about informing and persuading using the rhetorical
triangle is the article under discussion written by Karin Kirk. I will use this model in my paper,
using logic, emotion, and credibility to prove that clean energy is a moral and practical
imperative.
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References
Kirk, K. (2022, October 25). The number of lives that clean energy could save, by U.S. state »
Yale climate connections. Yale Climate Connections.
[Link]
could-save-by-u-s-state/
Sichach, M. (2024). Ethos, pathos and logos as foundations of persuasive writing.
[Link]