Ethical+Appeal

The moral values of what an audience believes to be good or true; credibility or trustworthiness

In the Declaration of Independence there is the usage of ethical appeal, and from the use of ethical appeal we are able to know where the writer (signers) stand and that they are men of good character and capable of explaining the reasons for their actions.

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

· In the first paragraph of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, the men or signers are explaining their reason for breaking political bonds with Britain, and that in doing so they are not doing wrong. “God and nature,” will respect your opinions therefore they should respect ours the same way. They also explain that people cannot be forced to stay together, so they declare their reasons which force us into asking for a separate and equal relationship. With that being said the signers give their ethical standing, that “they are men of good sense and good will, and that they give reasons for their actions.”(Facultyfiles)

“In every stage of these Oppressions we have petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury….They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity.”

· The signers of the document are proving and giving their reason to the “world” that they have made “good and honest efforts to avoid independence.” They have in many ways tried to reason with the King only to be repeatedly turned away. Their voice is not heard by either the King or their once British brother to the call of what is right. Therefore the reasons for actions are explained, and that they are reasonable men.

“Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here….in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do….with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”

· In the final paragraph they again explain to the “world” that they have to no avail tried to reason with Britain, their calls are not answered again. Therefore it is not wrong to break away from their ties with Britain, and that God will protect them and their rights and will be “on their side,” whatever course of actions they may take. They are able to show ethically that they are men with good sense and character who stand together and pledge to each other for their ideology.

Works cited: Facultyfiles.deanze.edu