Journal of Marketing Behavior > Vol 1 > Issue 3-4

A Welfarist Approach to Manipulation

Jonathan Baron, University of Pennsylvania, USA, baron@psych.upenn.edu
 
Suggested Citation
Jonathan Baron (2016), "A Welfarist Approach to Manipulation", Journal of Marketing Behavior: Vol. 1: No. 3-4, pp 283-291. http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/107.00000018

Publication Date: 24 Feb 2016
© 2015 J. Baron
 
Subjects
Behavioral Decision Making
 

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In this article:
1. Autonomy and Dignity 
2. Reflection and Intuition 
3. Deception 
4. Examples 
5. Transparency 
6. Conclusion 
References 

Abstract

I argue for two modifications in Sunstein’s definition of manipulation, designed to make the definition more compatible with a welfarist/utilitarian view of what manipulation is and why we should care about it. I think we need a clearer distinction between good and bad manipulation, and a distinction between good and bad reflection. Good reflection is actively open-minded and serves to achieve the decision maker’s goals. Manipulation is designed to prevent such reflection, or prevent the choice that would be made if such reflection occurred, and this is why it is bad, even if it is consistent with reflection that merely bolsters a favored option.

DOI:10.1561/107.00000018