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Nicholas Carr Use Of Ethos Pathos And Logos

Decent Essays

The reason Nicholas Carr wrote this article is to inform people of the danger of Internet overuse through his use of ethos, logos, and pathos, along with other rhetorical devices. He starts with a scene from a classic movie that dealt with the prevalence of technology, 2001: A Space Odyssey. He shows that with the technological advances of today, the line between human and computer has starts to grey. The author then noted the positive ways the Internet has influenced his life. yet, when he states, “But that boon comes at a price,” his tone immediately changes from appreciative to concerned. This change in tone shows that Carr is beginning to dive deeper into his topic. Additionally, his positive section acts as a counterargument. …show more content…

For example, Carr writes about how the clock causes us to stop “listening to our senses” and start “obeying the clock.” Even though the clock is not the Internet, such an example still strengthens Carr’s argument. Carr focuses on the notion that new technological innovations can drastically change a person’s way of thought. Focusing on this does not restrict Carr to speak only of the Internet. The clock was once a technological innovation. Therefore, by using it as an example, Carr shows that new technology really does change the mind. Since the Internet is a new technology in present time, it would be logical that it would change the way people think as …show more content…

The printing press and development of writing were another example where people’s way of thought changed. However, Carr makes the statement that writing would go on to “expand human knowledge” and the printing press brought a “myriad of blessings.” Such statements could undermine Carr’s entire essay. He continues to say that the Internet could be such a success as well. However, he then states that the Internet is different from such inventions. Carr notes that what people would lose because of the Internet is much more valuable than what was lost from writing and the printing press. Such a refutation is a major appeal to logos. Additionally, in the beginning of this section, Carr calls himself a possible worrywart. By accepting the possibility that he may be wrong and then going to show how he cannot be wrong greatly appeals to ethos. Finally, he turns back to the use of fear as an appeal of pathos by stating that the Internet could transform humanity into “pancake people.” In effect, this section holds Carr’s entire thesis: to not rely too much on computers and the Internet. Carr relies heavily on the use of ethos, pathos, and logos throughout his essay. His ethos is mainly focused on connecting with the reader as a fellow human being. His logos is mainly comprised of quoting experiments and referencing historical

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