Rethinking Ethos: A Comparative Analysis of Persuasive Character Building in Classical Antiquity through the Lenses of Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian

Abstract

This text aims to reexamine the role of ethos in persuasion through a comparative analysis of the viewpoints of the great classical rhetoricians Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian. By comparing these viewpoints, it seeks to demonstrate their similarities and differences. The study reveals that Aristotle emphasizes the moral aspect of character, Cicero focuses on the artistry of rhetorical techniques, and Quintilian places greater importance on adapting to the practical context of the audience. The perspectives of Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian provide us with profound insights that contribute to a reconsideration of the role of ethos in persuasion.