{"id":93,"date":"2026-02-23T10:45:50","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T10:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/persuasion\/?post_type=content&p=93"},"modified":"2026-02-23T11:24:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T11:24:03","slug":"chapter-16-the-ethics-of-persuasion","status":"publish","type":"content","link":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/persuasion\/chapter-resources\/chapter-16-the-ethics-of-persuasion\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 16: The Ethics of Persuasion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Chapter 16: The Ethics of Persuasion<\/h2><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Chapter Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This chapter begins with a discussion of three significant challenges to persuasion. The first is divisiveness and entrenchment. Persuasion cannot function if neither side is talking or listening. The second challenge is mis-dis- and malinformation. False information spreads like a shockwave from a bomb. Once shared, it is not forgotten easily. Earnest attempts at persuasion must cut through the background of misinformation. A third challenge to persuasion is AI. AI and Large Language Models are becoming more and more proficient at creating persuasive messages autonomously. That AI can generate persuasive messages, however, does not mean it should be given free rein to do so. Despite these three challenges, the authors argue that persuasion is not a dirty word. Rather, persuasion is indispensable and performs a number of positive, prosocial functions. The authors\u2019 position is that the motives of a persuader color the means of persuasion used. A persuader may use a fear appeal, for example, for a good or bad end. Culture also plays a role in the strategies people use to persuade. The chapter summarizes a variety of ethical perspectives. The authors advocate civility in the form of respect, equality, and tolerance when persuading. The chapter addresses ethical questions related to topics raised throughout the text, including source credibility; persuasion aimed at children; the use of deception; and employing threats, fear appeals, and other emotional appeals. The chapter devotes attention to visual persuasion and the use of deepfake videos to mislead. Suggestions for becoming more vigilant to misinformation are offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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