Article 03: Aristotle’s Affect On Persuasion Today.

Aristotle’s insights on persuasion demonstrate how aspects of how people persuade others can evolve, however the fundamentals on persuasion remain constant. In this article we will dive into the depths of persuasion and how Aristotle created a lasting legacy that shaped the dynamics of persuasion eternally.

What is Persuasion?

Persuasion includes convincing and influencing others to believe one’s certain beliefs, opinions, attitudes or behaviors. Persuasion is used in many aspects of life, through jobs, relationships, any interpersonal communication, etc. Persuasion can involve psychological strategies, evidence, rhetorical devices, and more to create both compelling and captivating arguments with hopes to influence/ convince another individual.

Aristotle’s Influence On Persuasion

According to Aristotle, rhetoric refers to the art of persuasion and the use of language to persuade others. Aristotle used rhetoric in persuasion to persuade others. In 350 BC, Aristotle summarized persuasion in 3 sections, ethos, pathos, and logos.

Ethos refers to the credibility and trust of the orator. He explains the importance of having good credibility and believes that the audience will trust the speaker more if they are more credible.

The second section of persuasion is Pathos according to Aristotle. Pathos refers to appealing to the audiences’ emotion. He recognized that appealing to their emotions plays a powerful role in persuasion because it creates a strong personal connection between the orator and the audience.

Lastly, Logos is the final section of persuasion. Logos refers to utilizing logistics, research, facts, and evidence to persuade the audience. Aristotle centered his importance on the utilization of facts and logical reasoning within persuasion.

How is it still relevant in Modern Society?

Aristotle’s relevancy remains indubitably unquestionable in today’s society, due to the frequency of rhetoric being used. Rhetoric, ethos, pathos, and logos are used globally to engage, persuade, and influence the audience of which is being spoken to. Applying these techniques when using persuasion is essential in communicating and persuading effectively in modern society.