How were Greek musical modes connected to the theory of ethos?

In ancient Greek musical theory, the concept of ethos posited that music exerted a direct, powerful influence on the human soul, character, and behavior. Because music was believed to mirror the moral order of the universe, philosophers like Plato and Aristotle argued that specific modes possessed distinct ethical characteristics.12

These modes were categorized based on their perceived psychological and social effects:

• Dorian mode: Highly valued for its strong, virile, and educational qualities, it was considered essential for fostering stability and character.32
• Phrygian mode: Associated with ecstatic, emotional, and intense states.3
• Lydian mode: Often viewed as intimate, sensuous, or lascivious, leading some thinkers to warn against its potentially softening or corrupting influence.3

Due to these perceived impacts, music was treated as a psychosociological tool. Plato advocated for strict censorship of musical modes to ensure that only those with positive ethical effects were used in education, fearing that melodic complexities or "dangerous" modes could lead to social disorder and emotional instability. Thus, the connection between modes and ethos made music a fundamental, regulated component of Greek political and social life.21