How does 'pathos' function in argumentation?

Pathos functions in argumentation by appealing to emotions and feelings. This rhetorical strategy seeks to connect with the audience on an emotional level, leveraging their feelings to persuade them or influence their opinions. By eliciting emotions such as sympathy, fear, joy, or anger, a speaker can make their argument more compelling and relatable.

When a speaker successfully engages pathos, they can motivate their audience to respond in a certain way or to reconsider their positions based on the emotional context provided. This emotional appeal is particularly powerful in settings where logic alone may not be sufficient to sway an audience, as it taps into the audience's personal experiences and sentiments, making the argument more engaging and memorable. Therefore, employing pathos effectively enhances the overall persuasive power of a speech or argument.