Are logical arguments more persuasive than emotional and moral ones?
It depends on the audience.
To an objective, rational person, yes, logical arguments are more persuasive than emotional and moral ones.
But just consider how many times people resort to emotional instead of logical appeals to try to gain adherents. They are hoping to convince those who are swayed by emotions more than by logic, and so by using emotionally loaded terminology.
The best arguments use both emotional and logical ploys.
It also depends whether the audience is basically pro or con in terms of the topic. With either, the factors of credibility and trust are more important than the type of argument.
With pro people, a pro argument will suffice. With con people, not only do you need the pro argument, but follow it with con arguments (usually those of the audience) and the anti-con arguments.
These articles might be helpful:
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceAntecedents.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceMorePrinciples.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceStillMore.html
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
Determining whether logical arguments are more persuasive than emotional and moral ones is subjective and depends on the context and audience. However, I can provide an analysis to help you understand the potential strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
1. Logical arguments: These are based on reasoning, evidence, and formal logic. They present facts, evidence, and rational thinking to support a position or persuade others. The strength of logical arguments lies in their ability to appeal to people's intellect and critical thinking.
To make a logical argument, consider the following steps:
- Identify the claim or position you want to support.
- Gather relevant data, facts, and evidence to support your claim.
- Use logical reasoning to explain the relationship between your evidence and claim.
- Address counterarguments and provide rebuttals based on logical reasoning.
2. Emotional arguments: These appeal to people's emotions, feelings, and personal experiences. They rely on empathy and storytelling to create an emotional connection with the audience. Emotional arguments can be powerful as they tap into human desires, values, and emotional responses.
To make an emotional argument, consider the following steps:
- Identify the emotions you want to evoke in your audience.
- Craft a compelling narrative or story that appeals to those emotions.
- Use vivid language, imagery, and personal anecdotes to engage the audience emotionally.
- Connect the emotions to your main argument or position.
3. Moral arguments: These appeal to people's sense of right and wrong, ethical principles, and values. They often involve discussing fairness, justice, and moral consequences. Moral arguments can be effective when the audience shares similar moral values.
To make a moral argument, consider the following steps:
- Identify the moral principles or values that connect to your argument.
- Frame your argument in terms of right and wrong, fairness, or moral obligations.
- Explain the moral implications and consequences of your position.
- Address counterarguments by appealing to other moral values or frameworks.
In conclusion, the persuasive power of logical, emotional, and moral arguments depends on various factors such as the audience, subject matter, and context. A well-rounded persuasive approach often incorporates elements from all three approaches to appeal to both reason and emotions while taking into account moral considerations.