Aristotle and Social Media

History

As a former pupil of Plato, many of the ideas Aristotle brought to the table were deeply influenced by Plato's philosophies. Similar to Plato, Aristotle spoke and taught on a wide variety of subjects, from aesthetics to zoology. However, Aristotle did add to his former professor's philosophies through his use of dialogues - more than just stating his points, he provided a discussion on points and counter-points, solidifying his arguments. [this is deceptive, his dialogues were all lost]

Teachings

In each moment, the potentialities of a thing are determined by its current situation. When we act, we are actualizing certain potentialities and closing off others. According to Aristotle, "mind" is what comes into play when we actualize these potentialities. [ideas that modern philosophers speak on about "mindfulness" probably draws on Aristotle]

Given how we act and how other things respond, we find ourselves with a new set of potentialities to act from--a new character. Character is the set of potentialities we have to choose from; therefore, our character is developed through our actions. Aristotle teaches that through this actualization of potentialities, we can find happiness.

Aristotle believed that these ideas could form general principles, but that one must also be aware of the potentialities of the moment in order to know how to act. Aristotle was all about action, phronesis, or practical wisdom. Action is necessary to actualize potential. 

Aristotle developed the ideas of ethos, pathos, and logos. While each adds value to a presentation, all must be present in order to convey the highest argument.

• Ethos: author credibility
• Pathos: passionate argument
• Logos: logical reasoning

Aristotle believed repetition was an appropriate form of education for children while adults should be taught through opportunities to interpret and interact. 

Aristotle taught that our communication should develop in stages as the reader and the presenter also develop and come closer to their potential.

Applications

First impressions

• The most important part of a social media website, according to Aristotle, would be the first thing a viewer sees. Just as a good movie should start with action, a good website should immediately make its purpose apparent. 
• It should tell a viewer what it is good for, what it can help them do, and begin to tell a theme. 
• The website should quickly earn the viewer's trust that it is a credible source. 
• The website should somehow show that it is coming from experts or people that are similar to the viewer. 
• It should influence the reader to feel emotions while providing logical information that persuade the reader to be a part of the community. 
• Ethos shows that you are trustworthy.
• While many expect or want the most convincing part of a speech to be pathos or logos, according to Aristotle, it is actually ethos.

Interaction and shareability

• His ideas of adult education vs. kid education can be translated to social websites.  An advanced site is one that the users can dictate and manipulate for their purposes.  It grows as their ideas and wants grow.
• A good website encourages discussion; a marketplace of ideas, in essence. Therefore, it must also be easily shareable. 
• The site should engage the viewer, providing him or her with the opportunity to interact and interpret (and ACT!). The purpose of this discussion is so that the website can continue to better itself to empower its users.

Development

• The website should provide different levels of information. As one first lands on the page, there should be high-level information but as one continues to search the page the information should become more granular. 
• A good social website would actualize its potential by helping users to actualize their potential. It would seek to understand its potential market by understanding its market’s potential. [hugh nibley, "zeal w/o knowledge"?]
• It would allow users to contribute to the potentialities of the website. This is what makes it a good social website and not just a good website in general. The users, by their participating in the social aspects of the site, are the dynamic that makes the site able to actualize its potential. 
• There is an interdependence between the website itself and the users, in that the users help to make it (the website) what it is and it (the website) helps to make them (the users) what they are.

The Ultimate Website

• In order to be as influential as possible, the website must incorporate ethos, logos, AND pathos. 
• Aristotle would argue that while we know the principles that make a good social website, that is not all of what makes a good social website.
• Is it simply impossible to create a good (and profitable) social media website?  NO. Through discussion and contribution, while focusing a great deal on the other facets, the site will grow to the interests of all while moving toward that ideal form. [idea of eternal progression?]

For professional website critiquers:

Ethos, logos, pathos : What is the ethos? What is the logos? What is the pathos?
Unified action / character development / theme : Can we tell right away what we can do on the site? How we might develop along the way? Something of the theme of that development?
Developed and sharable in stages : Can send intriguing little parts of talks/articles? 
Invitation to open discussion and change of character and contribution : Can users send in posts for development?
Possible to understand but not obvious : Does the purpose requires enjoyable effort to completely grasp?