Ethical Persuasion

Goals

1. Describe ethical persuasion.
2. Distinguish ethical persuasion from manipulative persuasion.
3. Excel at ethical persuasion.

What

Persuasion is the process of getting others to believe things, or do things, or change their identity.

Ethical Persuasion: Persuasion is ethical when the persuader is acting in the best interests of their target and when they use acceptable methods.

Manipulative Persuasion: Persuasion is manipulative when unacceptable methods are used, especially when it ignores or harms the target’s best interests.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Methods

A persuasion method is considered acceptable when most people would find it fair and respectful if they were the target.

A method is unacceptable when most people would object to being persuaded that way—especially if it feels deceptive, coercive, or disrespectful.

✅ Examples of Acceptable Methods

1. Providing accurate and unbiased information
   
2. Listening skillfully and respectfully
   
3. Showing empathy and understanding
   
4. Using evidence and sound reasoning
   
5. Describing the benefits the target may gain

❌ Examples of Unacceptable Methods

1. Lying to the target
   
2. Sharing false information—even if the persuader mistakenly believes it’s true
   
3. Using highly biased or misleading information
   
4. Scaring the target in ways that are disproportionate or manipulative
   
5. Making threats
   
6. Using physical force
   
7. Using emotional pressure—such as yelling, intimidation, or anger
   
8. Exploiting the target’s vulnerabilities (e.g., addiction, loneliness, need for approval)
   
9. Pressuring someone by exploiting their desire to fit in with a group
   
10. Using fallacies such as straw-man, slippery slope, and red herring