Patriotisms and Human Rights, Essay Example

In the article about human rights and patriotism, the writer (Vincent) uses some argumentative rhetoric words that help building up the article so that it appears to be logical and consequent. The below review will examine some of the phrases used by the author to strengthen the “logos” of the message.

The phrase “claim” is used to describe arguments in an objective manner. By using this particular word, the author expresses his impartiality: does not agree or disagree with the statement. At one point, the author states: “it claims to have discovered a new form of solidarity founded on a liberal democratic constitution” (Vincent 360). The word “claim” can also have different meanings, such as “assumption”, as in the following sentence: “Basic human rights are embedded claims…”. The sentence indicates that human rights are based on people’s agreed assumptions that every person has to be provided equal opportunities, and this assumption is a base for several conventions and norms.

The word “support” has two simple meanings in the article: confirm and strengthen. The author writes: “supported by means of legitimate violence” (Vincent, 350). In the text, support means that one idea is strengthening the validity of another. Support can also originate from philosophers and people. Individuals can support cases, such as conventions to protect human rights, equality law, or community initiatives. Research findings can also support ideas and assumptions, and they can take on the role of confirming claims.

In the research article, Vincent uses the above two phrases to logically build up his argument based on the review or related ideas, research, and philosophical approaches. Without these two phrases used adequately, the impartiality of the author could be questioned, and the logos of the rhetoric piece would be weaker.

Works Cited

Vincent, A. Patriotism and Human Rights: An Argument for Unpatriotic Patriotism.Journal of Ethics. 3:347–364.2009. Print.