Aristotle

Aristotle claims that truth does not always persuade. I think he means that truth is a small component of persuasion. In Aristotle’s Rhetoric underlies the three technical means of persuasion, Ethos, Pathos and Logos. Ethos focuses on the speaker, using trust to show the audience their character and integrity. Reputation, Character and Credibility will impact how your audience will judge you.If you want your audience to believe you, you first have to show them that you believe yourself. Pathos triggers senses and feelings, appeals to their listeners emotions. These are your values, goals, interests and beliefs. Logos focuses on the argument using both logic and explanation, evidence and reason. I think Aristotle means that the truth might not always be appealing to the audience. Which means the truth might not always have the power to influence them. In class today we looked at a paper written by a 43 year old man asking a College Committee to make an exception for him. He talked about his achievements and how he does not need this algebra course. He even provided statements of people he has spoken with to help make his case. The truth is he didn’t need that course in order to become a lawyer but it was a standard for everyone. The truth about him not needing the course didn’t persuade the committee. Being able to relate to values or beliefs of the speaker is so appealing to us as an audience. We all just want to feel understood and that someone else can relate. Words and speech has the power to do that. It does not necessarily have to be the truth. Take social media and advertising for example. They often use famous people to advertise products. Even though the star might not agree with the product, believe it works or even uses it, they influence the audience to buy the product. They make the viewers believe it works. The same goes for weight loss supplements. They show before and after pictures to make you believe it worked for them, it can work for you. Because the advertisement might be so appealing to us and relatable, we do not care about the truth behind it all. You can take something in your everyday life and compare it to Aristotles claim about truth and persuasion. Take alcohol for example. We know the truth about alcohol. We know all the negative effects, but does that persuade us to make the right decision and not drink? Maybe, but in the end we decide as our own person the choices we want to make.