Why Aristotle still matters today

The influence of Aristotle's philosophies in modern writing

Even in modern society, it’s possible to see ancient civilization’s effects on writing. Philosophers such as Plato and Socrates have secretly shaped the way we write. To be specific, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle formulated the way persuasive writing is created. He developed the three ideas of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos, each of which help sway an audience to support a writer's opinions and ideas. By using these three literary devices a writer can prove their point and convince the audience of their findings. Aristotle’s persuasion tactics allow the reader to be viewed as powerful, confident and influential. Well written non-fiction persuasive writing incorporates Aristotle's ancient ideas of Ethos, Pathos and Logos to help proove an argument. 

Ethos has been used throughout history as a way to prove that an author is a credible source of information. Once said by Aristotle himself “We believe fair-minded people to a greater extent

and more quickly than we do others” (Aristotle). Within a History Alive Podcast episode starring Aris Tambakis, we are able to see how he effectively uses ethos to prove that he is a credible source. “In this show, we explore the history of the United States and listen to experts discuss various topics. Today we welcome Aris Tambakis, a student at Choate Rosemary Hall, who is currently enrolled in US History” (Tambakis, “History Podcast”). By showing that the researcher is currently a student enrolled in US History, the show proves to the audience that Aris is a credible source.Writers are also able to the emotional device of pathos to persuade and audiences opinion. 

Bringing emotion and personal opinion into a piece of writing is usually a negative thing, however,

the pathos literary device can be useful when trying to persuade someone's opinion. In an online article titled 9 positive effects of donating money to charity, the author conveys to the reader why it is important to donate and the personal benefits from it:

“We don’t live in a perfect world...there are always people out there in need of help ...or even if you're experiencing financial difficulties of your own, the reality is that when you donate your money, you help others who need it” (9 Positive Effects of Donating Money to Charity, thelifeyoucansave.org). 

The writer uses the argument that you will feel emotionally better if you help someone in need to try and persuade you to donate money. The audience’s emotions are hijacked and controlled by the author.Emotional arguments are not always able to sway a person, so often times writers rely on the rhetorical device of Logos which uses facts to prove their point. 

By using Logos, the writer is able to effectively and undisputedly make an argument. Their use of facts to back up and opinion or Thesis gives uncontested evidence toward their claims. In another part of the History Alive podcast segment, Aris Tambakis discussed how during the 1920’s the most important advancements in aviation were made. He used the example of Charles Lindbergh’s transcontinental flight across the Atlantic to prove how quickly aviation improved during the early

1900’s. “On May 21st of 1927, Charles Lindbergh arrived in Paris France after a 33-hour trip across the Atlantic Ocean... This flight shattered the perceptions of the possibilities of air travel... Lindberg proved that air travel was not only possible but also a viable means of transportation” (Tambakis, “History podcast”). Using Charles Lindbergh's flight as an example of aviation achievements, the writer is able to use an example from history that is indisputable and pure fact. It is clear that the usage of Logos within an academic essay is essential to proving that your point is valid. 

            It is clear that Aristotle’s philosophies on persuasion rhetoric had greater implications than just in his personal studies. His invention of the three rhetorical devices has greatly impacted persuasive writing and has influenced our lives unbeknown to us. The way society argues or proves a point is all based on his ancient ideas of ethos pathos and logos. When listening to the news or a public speaker they often use these strategies to capture your attention and draw the listener in. Aristotle's beliefs in how rhetoric would affect our everyday lives have definitely become a reality.  “The duty of rhetoric is to deal with such matters as we deliberate upon without arts or systems to guide us, in the hearing of persons who cannot take in at a glance a complicated argument or follow a long chain of reasoning” (Aristotle).

Here is a documentary on Aristotle for further information on his life
Click here

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