Book contents
- The Concept and Ethics of Manipulation
- The Concept and Ethics of Manipulation
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Part I The Concept
- Part II The Ethics
- Chapter 4 The Moral Status of Manipulation
- Chapter 5 Manipulation and Respect for Persons
- Chapter 6 On Manipulation in Politics
- Bibliography
- Index
Chapter 5 - Manipulation and Respect for Persons
from Part II - The Ethics
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 April 2025
- The Concept and Ethics of Manipulation
- The Concept and Ethics of Manipulation
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Part I The Concept
- Part II The Ethics
- Chapter 4 The Moral Status of Manipulation
- Chapter 5 Manipulation and Respect for Persons
- Chapter 6 On Manipulation in Politics
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
Since manipulation is a relation involving power over another, it is alleged that it necessarily manifests disrespect toward persons. The analysis in the chapter explores this claim and rejects it. The following broad arguments are advanced: (1) The essence of manipulation is treating others as if they are machines (mechanification); it is therefore natural to examine whether manipulation manifests the same disrespect involved in objectification. The analysis rejects this possibility. (2) The dichotomy between “respectful influence through rational persuasion” and “disrespectful influence via (soft) power” is deconstructed. It is important to treat others “as rational,” but this can involve various elements of soft power, and thus manipulation need not be disrespectful. (3) Even “treating as rational” is not necessary for respect – there are other modes of interaction and influence which manipulations can exhibit that are not disrespectful. Play is analyzed in this regard. (4) Manipulation is often essential for promoting respect for persons through politeness and shielding privacy. The chapter ends by considering the virtuous person as regards the use of manipulation.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Concept and Ethics of Manipulation , pp. 159 - 196Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025