Any topic (writer’s choice)

nstructions: Write a 4-5 page essay (double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins on all sides) in response to ONE of the following prompts.

Introduction: Before responding to the different parts of the prompt, you should include a one paragraph introduction that includes your thesis statement. In this introduction, you should make it clear how your position relates to the authors you are writing about and what particular parts of their arguments you will be focusing on.

Prompt 1: Manipulation in Advertising (Authors: Crisp, Shiffrin, Leiser)

For this essay, consider the following (made-up) advertisement: Stop letting your migraine headaches keep you from achieving your full potential. Do you experience serious migraines that make it impossible to keep up with your work? Psydonisin is the best way to ease the debilitating pain of migraines. Start taking Psydonisin and finally get that promotion you deserve!

Additional facts: Psydonisin has been shown to be effective in relieving the pain of migraines. However, these studies have also shown that this pain relief is considered to be moderate and that other similar products (sold by competitors) offer noticeably more relief. In addition, one of the most common side effects of taking Psydonisin is drowsiness. No studies have established a connection between taking Psydonisin and increased productivity at work.

In this essay, you should do the following:

Find and explain some of the arguments that Crisp, Shiffrin, and Leiser discuss in their respective articles that could be used to defend the companys right to advertise in this way.

Crisp, Shiffrin, and Leiser all raise objections to misleading forms of advertisement. Pick one of these authors and summarize the arguments that author provides against manipulation in advertising that could be applicable to this case. Be sure to include all of the issues this author raises that would be relevant to evaluating the morality of this advertisement.

Do you think the above advertisement is morally permissible? For this part of your essay, be sure to specify which of the claims in the advertisement you think are morally permissible and which of these claims you think would be morally unacceptable (you dont have to claim every statement is acceptable or that every statement is unacceptable, though you could if you choose). You should also explain which of the arguments above you used to reach your conclusion. Why are the arguments youre using better than the opposing arguments you considered?

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