The ethics of subliminal communication

Authors

J. E. Gratz, Pan American University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1984

Abstract

Assume that we communicate for the purpose of trying to change a person's behavior either overtly or covertly. As long as this is done in an honest manner, no concern with ethics is involved. But suppose a communication pattern — subliminals — is developed that covertly tries to change our behavior without our consent. Then, concern with ethics is involved.

Very little evidence exists to support a definitive quantitative impact of subliminal communication. There is a suggestion, however, that subliminals do in fact manipulate people to do certain things. If this is so, then we have an over-riding issue in ethics — the ultimate invasion of a person's privacy — his mind.

Comments

https://rdcu.be/dIbhm

Recommended Citation

Gratz, J.E. The ethics of subliminal communication. J Bus Ethics 3, 181–184 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382916

Publication Title

Journal of Business Ethics

DOI

10.1007/BF00382916