“A statement is persuasive and credible either because it is directly self-evident or because it appears to be proved from other statements that are so.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“A statement is persuasive and credible either because it is directly self-evident or because it appears to be proved from other statements that are so.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle outlines the two primary ways a statement gains credibility and becomes persuasive. The first is when the statement is self-evident, meaning it is so clear and obvious that it doesn’t require further proof to be accepted as true. These are truths that are universally recognized or understood. The second way a statement becomes persuasive is through logical reasoning, where it is derived from other established, self-evident truths. In this case, the statement may not be immediately obvious, but it can be accepted as true because it has been logically proven through a series of connected statements or evidence.
This concept is highly applicable in fields like rhetoric, science, and law, where persuasion often relies on presenting evidence or establishing premises that lead to a logically supported conclusion. For instance, in an academic paper or legal argument, a claim may be persuasive because it’s supported by data, research, or widely accepted theories that make the conclusion appear inevitable. On the other hand, a self-evident statement, such as “all bachelors are unmarried,” is persuasive simply because it aligns with a widely accepted definition.
In everyday life, this idea can be seen in how we evaluate claims, whether they come from experts, friends, or media. When people make persuasive arguments, they either rely on common knowledge or build up a case through evidence that leads to an undeniable conclusion. Aristotle’s insight reminds us that credibility comes not only from stating facts but also from how those facts are supported, either through clear self-evidence or through logical reasoning that connects them to proven truths.
