Advertising Ethics
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In order to begin to formulate an ethical perspective in regard to advertising, one must first understand the objections related to advertising which create the need for such an ethical perspective. Argumentatively, some kinds of advertising are immoral, in part or in whole, and undermine personal autonomy. Advertising plays upon human desires for security, acceptance, and self-esteem in order to influence consumer choices. Almost all desires beyond primitive needs for food, shelter, and sex are the result of cultural influences.
This being the case, it may be argued that advertising has the capability to deprive one of freedom of choice. That advertising adds nothing to the value of consumer products, but diverts resources from the production of more valuable goods or services. And that advertising promotes consumption as a way of life. Assuming these statements are able to hold true, what then, constitutes as "good advertising"? "Good advertising" appeals on many grounds, aesthetic, intellectual, humorous, heartwarming and allows for an undisputable freedom of choice.
All attempts to inform and persuade must respect the purposes of human freedom if they are to be deemed as moral...