Pathos

Pathos is a concept in rhetoric referring to appealing to the audience's emotions to persuade. Etymology traces the term to the Greek pathos, meaning suffering or feeling. In classical rhetoric, pathos, along with ethos (credibility of the speaker) and logos (logical argument), constitutes the three modes of persuasion described by Aristotle.

Pathos aims to evoke emotions such as pity, fear, anger, joy, hope, or sympathy to influence attitudes or actions. Practically, speakers or writers use narratives, vivid descriptions, sensory details, personal anecdotes, or evocative language. It is not simply 'emotional content' but a deliberate strategy aligned with the communicator's goals and the audience.

In modern use, pathos appears in literature, film, journalism, political discourse, and advertising. It can help readers or viewers connect with a subject, highlight stakes, or motivate action. Critics warn that excessive pathos may manipulate emotions or obscure argument, and the effectiveness varies with audience and context.

Pathos is distinct from the emotion itself; it refers to the act of eliciting emotion rather than the feeling produced. In rhetorical analysis and ethical discussion, pathos is considered alongside ethos and logos to assess how persuasive a message is and whether emotional appeal supports or weakens the overall argument.