Understanding Logos and "the Way" of Rhetoric in Argument

The "way" in rhetoric refers to the combination of both logical arguments and poignant appeals, or conversation. In John F. Kennedy's Civil Rights address, he uses the "way" to petition the United States Congress, as well as the average American to rationally consider the facts, and empathize with the mistreated party, to come the same understanding and conclusion that he has. The logos (or, topics of argument) that J.F.K used in this speech appeal both to the commonsensical, and emotional senses of those on the receiving end (Ramage, P. 83). This unique combination of reason and sentiment is precisely the characterization of the "way" (Ramage, P. 10).

One example of such a logo that J.F.K. applied during his speech can be seen in the statement that, "when Americans are sent to Vietnam or West Berlin, we do not ask for whites only. It oughta be possible, therefore, for American students of any color to attend any public institution they select without having to be backed up by troops" (Kennedy, P. 2). This example shows a logical appeal based on facts. It is a fact that not only white Americans are sent to fight in the military. During the early 1960's, patriotism was high amongst many American peoples, and by using such a fact about military inclusion of multiple races, J.F.K. was applying an emotional pull to a logical fact. Congruently, when he took that fact and turned it into a petition to Americans, from Congress on down to the individual man, to consider the rights and freedoms of those who serve along side whites, as equals. Combining these two appeals, allowed him to use the "way" to most adequately appeal to his audience in rhetoric (Ramage, P. 10).