Description
Book SynopsisThis book develops a sophisticated account of propaganda and its intriguing history. It begins with a brief overview of Western propaganda, including Ancient Greek theories of rhetoric, and traces propaganda’s development through the Christian era, the rise of the nation-state, World War I, Nazism, Communism, and the present day. The core of the book examines the ethical implications of various forms of persuasion, not only hate propaganda but also insidious elements of more generally acceptable communication such as advertising, public relations, and government information, setting these in the context of freedom of expression. This new edition is updated throughout, and includes additional revelations about a key atrocity story of World War I.
Trade Review“Propaganda and the Ethics of Persuasion is a book we need now more than ever. It is a stand-alone resource for those who don’t know anything about propaganda, want a refresher, or want to see how propaganda has fared in the digital age. Marlin’s clear, strong writing brings home the enormity of propaganda’s reach and the danger it represents to all of us.” — Tim Blackmore, University of Western Ontario
“In the tradition of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Jacques Ellul’s Propaganda, this book will become a classic of the 21st century as theirs were of the 20th. Its substance, exceptional clarity and unsettling relevance show a master teacher at work.” — Clifford G. Christians, University of Illinois
“… [Randal] Marlin’s book should be on the bookshelf of any serious scholar of propaganda and persuasion.” — Gary James Jason, Dialogue
“… the acknowledged classic in the field”— William Lyons, Emeritus Fellow of Trinity College Dublin
Comments on the first edition:
“Concerted efforts to ‘direct the thought of the world’ have become a dominant feature of modern life, notably in the more free societies, where direct coercion is less feasible. This study is a welcome contribution to increasing public awareness and understanding of these critical matters. It approaches them with historical depth and insightful commentary, also raising and investigating hard questions of propriety and limits that should be the focus of intense concern.” — Noam Chomsky, M.I.T.
“ … so terrifyingly relevant to the troubled world of today … excellent book … so measured, so wide-ranging. … ” — Barbara Wright, Trinity College, Dublin
“Marlin’s reflections have been well marinated, coming as they do, he tells us, from three decades of studying ‘the day-to-day manifestations of opinion, in newspapers, radio and the university workplace.” — Patrick MacFadden, Literary Review of Canada
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Preface to the First Edition
Preface to the Second Edition
CHAPTER 1: Why Study Propaganda?
- Introduction
Definition
Two Major Propaganda Theorists: George Orwell and Jacques Ellul
Plan of the Book
Chapter 2: History of Propaganda
- Introduction
Athens
Rome
The Early Christian Era
From the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment
The French Revolution and Its Aftermath
Later Nineteenth-Century Developments
British Propaganda in World War I
Leninist Propaganda
Nazi Propaganda
World War II to the Present Day, In Brief
Conclusion
CHAPTER 3: Propaganda Technique: An Analysis
- Introduction
Overview
Devices Involving Language Manipulation
Non-Verbal Techniques
Conclusion
CHAPTER 4: Ethics and Propaganda
- Introduction: What Is Ethics?
Ethical Theories
The Morality of Lying
Misleading without Actually Lying
The Ethics of Communication
On the Ethics of Propaganda
Conclusion: Propaganda and Autonomy
CHAPTER 5: Advertising and Public Relations Ethics
- Introduction
Advertising
Public Relations Ethics
Conclusion
CHAPTER 6: Freedom of Expression: Some Classical Arguments
- Introduction
John Milton
John Stuart Mill
Modern Communications Media: A Free and Open Encounter?
Additional Free Speech Arguments
Conclusion
CHAPTER 7: The Question of Controls
- Introduction
Controls on Hate Propaganda
Advertising
Government Controls on the Media
The Media Controls Itself
Government Information
Addendum, 2012
CHAPTER 8: Propaganda, Democracy, and the Internet
- The Achievements and Promise of the Internet
Uncertainties and Negative Features
Strategies for Democratizing the Net
Propaganda Analysis
Conclusion
Bibliography
Permission Acknowledgements
Index
