Explain the "oh, that makes sense" in ethical appeals.
In ethical appeals, the phrase "oh, that makes sense" refers to the effect of a persuasive argument or appeal that appeals to a person's ethical or moral values, resulting in an immediate understanding and agreement with the argument being presented.
Ethical appeals, also known as ethos, are one of the three main persuasive appeals used in rhetoric, along with logical appeals (logos) and emotional appeals (pathos). These appeals aim to convince an audience by establishing the credibility, expertise, and trustworthy character of the speaker or author.
When someone says "oh, that makes sense" in response to an ethical appeal, it suggests that the argument has resonated with their own moral values or sense of right and wrong. This response indicates that the person recognizes the legitimacy and reasonableness of the argument, and it aligns with their own ethical framework.
For instance, if an argument is made to protect the environment by highlighting the negative consequences of pollution and emphasizing the need to preserve nature for future generations, someone who values environmental sustainability might respond with "oh, that makes sense." In this case, the ethical appeal resonates with their existing beliefs and values, leading to an immediate recognition of the argument's validity.
Overall, the phrase "oh, that makes sense" in ethical appeals signifies that the argument has effectively established credibility and trustworthiness, appealing to the audience's shared ethical values and resulting in agreement and understanding.