Discussion post:
When it comes to scientific writing, scientists are trying to provide information that the reader is interested in and wants answers for. Rhetorical appeals are used in writing to have a complete and effective message, but I think that pathos tends to be left out. In scientific writing, logos is important because important questions are being answered and the scientists are providing the public with important information that uses logic and provides reasons to support their claims. At the same time, ethos is used because it is important to be credible. This leaves us with pathos and emotions left out because scientists focus more on sharing facts and technical information in their communications.
I think the general reader shows more interest in pathos as well because as explained “pathos evokes emotions” (MacLennan, 2008). The reader wants to feel and be identified with what they are reading so telling stories and information in a way that touches the reader is more effective and preferred by the reader.
Pathos needs to be addressed in scientific writing as it tends to be the more ignored of the three Aristotelian appeals of rhetoric in that genre. Audience consideration is becoming more and more important in scientific writing. The difference between inward-facing communication and outward-facing communication is becoming more distinct. I think everyone would agree that ethos and logos are extremely important to how an audience understands and accepts scientific information. However, no matter the soundness of those approaches, if pathos is ignored, I think an audience/general reader will lose interest. The genuine sharing of scientists’ passionate motivations toward studying a certain field would serve to excite their readers in the same way that they are excited. It would be a bridge that led the scientist and will lead the audience to the more objective methodology of the science being discussed.
Discussion questions : Of the three rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos), which one tends to be left out of scientific writing? Which one tends to elicit the greatest interest from the general reader? What would be an example of an instance when science neglected one of the rhetorical appeals? What was the result?
Task: Summarize the discussion post first in your own words , do not plagiarize, and then anwer the discussion questions.
Important note: DO NOT USE ANY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO DO THIS ASSIGNMENT and NO PLAGIARISM. DO this assignment by yourself, and if you use a source, cite the sources and put it in the references page. submit the AI and plagiarism report at the end.
Submit a turnitin report to prove the assignment is free of AI and plagiarism.