Spartan Education Vs Athenian Education Essay

771 Words4 Pages

Greeks, whether it be Athenians or Spartans, believed education was a crucial part in forming the future generations. The education reflected each city-state’s ideas and morals. “Cultural Mecca” is the Athenian education which focused on literature and diplomacy, while Spartans focused on victory. Due to their military based mind set, Spartans focused much of their education to produce a disciplined army. This included athletics, survival skills, and physical training. While Athenian education on the other hand wanted to focus both on getting their citizens ready for war, but also have individuals get a proper education in the arts. Their education involved playing games, reading books, and philosophy. The education which is provided to the …show more content…

Ethos was prominent in this side of the debate. The individuals were very confident and straight forward in their delivery which highlights ethos. Using this confidents and powerful tone in their speeches was able to make the crowd view being victorious in the war more important than receiving education in the arts or the Athenian values. While having a confident and straight forward tone, some speakers also use pathos to reach the audience’s side of emotion. The educated man used his daughter’s education in Sparta as his most important point in his speech. He highlights the idea that in Athens women do not receive the same education men would, which he wished for his daughter to be given the proper education. Another great point made which focused on pathos was the personal story made by the Spartan woman. She first mentioned that as a city-state Sparta stress life and they are in a time where one can either be “kill or be killed.” She then follows this statement by telling the story of her childhood and being taught to be strong and how to fight. This was something she wanted for her children. Using both fear and compassion while telling her stories utilized pathos in a very efficient way to persuade the audience. Overall this group balance ethos and pathos very well throughout their speeches and their