A favorable evaluation is given to William J. Fulbright, a democratic Senator from Arkansas, who served as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1966. At that time, his book The Arrogance of Power was published and in an excerpt from this book, he examines the misguided mindset driving America’s global interventionism and its belief in its own righteousness and invincibility. These symptoms, according to Fulbright, stem from a confusion between power and virtue. He defines the arrogance of power as “a psychological need that nations seem to have in order to prove that they are bigger, better, or stronger than other nations” (2). In his well-crafted book, The Arrogance of Power, William J. Fulbright employs persuasive appeals effectively to express his opinions on U.S. war efforts.
In addition to his use of pathos, Fulbright also demonstrates a strong use of logos and ethos in his piece. Fulbright presents factual evidence, stating that “the law of averages has already been more than kind to us” and emphasizing that “sooner or later the law of averages will turn against us” (4). He goes on to educate readers about the roles of theologians, behavioral scientists, and humanists in the behavior of nations, providing detailed explanations. By presenting these facts, Fulbright appeals to the readers’ logical reasoning. Additionally, William J. Fulbright incorporates ethos by citing other credible sources that support his position. He quotes a Canadian psychiatrist named Brock Chisholm and two prominent authors, Aldous Huxley and Mark Twain, to further validate his claim that “a radical change in traditional behavior is required” (Fulbright 4). As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Fulbright himself is also seen as a highly credible source.
The text argues that the reader is more likely to agree with Senator Fulbright on issues compared to an average citizen. Fulbright’s direct and straightforward writing style effectively drives his point. The text lacks unnecessary information and relies on smooth transitions that create a logical flow, gradually exposing flaws and ultimately dismantling opposing views. Fulbright’s approach is not limited to this as he also…
