What Is the Most Fundamental Ethical Issue in Advertising

question 87

Multiple Choice

What is the most fundamental ethical issue in advertising? 

• A) Exaggeration, which is a serious but increasingly common practice 
• B) Taste, particularly regarding society's exposure to offensive messages 
• C) Materialism, which also is a key legal issue 
• D) Deception, particularly false or misleading statements

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Definitions:

Heteronomous Morality

The first stage of moral development in Piaget’s theory, occurring from 4 to 7 years of age. Justice and rules are conceived of as unchangeable properties of the world, beyond the control of people.

Immanent Justice

The belief, often held by children, that moral behavior is immediately rewarded and immoral behavior is immediately punished.

Autonomous Morality

The second stage of moral development in Piaget’s theory, displayed by older children (about 10 years of age and older). The child becomes aware that rules and laws are created by people and that, in judging an action, one should consider the actor’s intentions as well as the consequences.

Punishment

A consequence aimed at reducing a behavior, typically involving unpleasant or undesirable outcomes for the recipient.