Logos And Pathos For Pursuing A Liberal Arts Degree

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The decision to pursue a liberal arts degree has fallen out of favour in today's society and developed a more unfavourable reputation than it deserves. The author addresses their work to their own parents as well as any other parents of students pursuing a liberal arts degree, reassuring them that, contrary to what many parents believe, a liberal arts education often leads to a life filled with happiness and fulfilment rather than an inadequate career packed with financial difficulties. In this work of literature, kairos is present because the author connects his examples and points to current problems but it is not a main device used. Although this piece of writing uses all three primary rhetorical strategies, logos and pathos stand out the …show more content…

Statistical proof is an example of logos, and it was used to support the above argument because it said that "According to LEAP's recent national survey, 93% of employers say that 'a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than undergraduate major” (The History Major). A liberal arts degree is fully sufficient to attain a financially stable and secure line of work, and even develops abilities that are regarded higher by the vast majority of employers, which increases the author's credibility and convinces the audience. When he cites CEOs of Fortune 500 companies in the third paragraph, he uses this device for the first time. He claims that one-third of Fortune 500 CEOs hold degrees in the liberal arts, and that the effective use of statistics often occurs when using logos. People frequently find themselves believing statements more when they can be proven to be true. These logical claims support the article's contention that a liberal arts education will prepare graduates for living more successful and fulfilling …show more content…

His article's statement that "you need not worry that your son will end up unemployed and homeless" is most likely to get the attention of his parents. The author employed sarcasm in the first paragraph because he thought his parents would shun him if he decided to pursue a degree in liberal arts. Being sarcastically disowned by his parents is a perfect illustration of how the author uses emotion in the piece. Another time pathos is used in the article is shown in the line "Is this not what you want for your baby boy?" This rhetorical question aims to evoke feelings in the parents and foster a feeling of identification and connection with the author. One of this essay's most significant recurrent devices is pathos, and its frequent application supports the central