Aristotle writes that persuasion is based on three things: the ethos, or personal character of the speaker; the pathos, or getting the audience into the right kind of emotional receptivity; and the logos, or the argument itself, carried out by abbreviated syllogisms, or something like deductive syllogisms, and by the use of example.

Since the time of Plato and Aristotle philosophers have had an interest in taking note of common fallacies in reasoning.

Once we recognize the power of propaganda, we need to ask whether its exercise is consistent with those democratic ideals to which lip-service is commonly accorded.

There are many special interests skilful at manipulating circumstances and communications in such a way as to benefit their own ends and not necessarily the public good.

In a general way, a major goal of the propagandist is to seek some kind of authoritative backing for the belief he or she is propagating.

Exposure as a propagandist is fatal to the would-be persuader.

Down to the present day the luminous image of democracy has often served as a pretext for the most undemocratic actions.