The statement "We hold these truths to be self-evident" uses which rhetorical approach?

• A. Logos by appealing to reason and universal truths
• B. Pathos by stirring emotional appeals
• C. Ethos by citing credibility
• D. Kairos by urgent call to action

Answer: (A)

Logos. By presenting truths as self-evident, the statement appeals to reason and shared, universal principles that can be seen as obvious upon reflection, rather than relying on emotion or the speaker’s authority. It grounds the argument for rights and independence in rational principles—natural law and universal truths—rather than eliciting feelings (pathos) or asserting credibility (ethos) or stressing urgency (kairos). In context, this move strengthens a persuasive case by inviting readers to recognize these rights as evident and rational, not merely asserted by those in power.