Persuasion is considered ethical as long as it allows for what?

Persuasion is considered ethical when it supports free and informed decision-making because this principle emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to make choices based on accurate information and an understanding of the context. Ethical persuasion ensures that people have access to all relevant facts, can weigh their options, and are not deceived or manipulated into making decisions. This aligns with the core values of public relations, which aim to build trust and foster transparent communications.

In contrast, free competition primarily focuses on the market dynamics, emotional appeal hinges on manipulating feelings rather than providing factual clarity, and mass appeal targets a broad audience without ensuring that each individual can make an informed choice about their decisions. Therefore, the emphasis on informed decision-making is what distinctly aligns persuasion with ethical considerations.