Answer: Here is a possible argumentative essay on the topic of whether it is ethical to target uninformed consumers:
Introduction:
Targeting uninformed consumers is a marketing strategy that involves exploiting the lack of knowledge or awareness of potential customers about a product or service, its features, benefits, costs, or alternatives. Some examples of targeting uninformed consumers are using misleading or deceptive advertising, charging hidden fees, offering low-quality products or services, or creating artificial scarcity or urgency. The ethical implications of this strategy are controversial, as some may argue that it is a legitimate way of increasing sales and profits, while others may contend that it is unfair, dishonest, and harmful to consumers and society. In this essay, I will state and defend the claim that targeting uninformed consumers is unethical, as it violates the principles of honesty, respect, and justice.
Body Paragraph 1:
One reason why targeting uninformed consumers is unethical is that it violates the principle of honesty, which is the moral duty to tell the truth and not deceive others. Honesty is essential for building trust and credibility in any relationship, especially in business transactions, where both parties expect to receive accurate and relevant information about the products or services they are buying or selling. Targeting uninformed consumers involves lying or withholding information from them, which can lead to false expectations, dissatisfaction, frustration, or regret. For example, a company may advertise a product as having certain features or benefits that it does not actually have, or may omit important details about the costs or risks involved in using it. This can result in consumers buying something that does not meet their needs or preferences, or paying more than they should for something that is not worth it. This is not only unethical, but also illegal in many countries, as it violates consumer protection laws that aim to prevent fraud and deception in the marketplace.
Body Paragraph 2:
Another reason why targeting uninformed consumers is unethical is that it violates the principle of respect, which is the moral duty to treat others as ends in themselves and not as means to one’s own ends. Respect implies recognizing the dignity and autonomy of others, and acknowledging their rights and interests. Targeting uninformed consumers involves treating them as means to one’s own ends, as objects to be manipulated and exploited for one’s own benefit. Targeting uninformed consumers disregards their right to make informed and rational choices about what they buy or use, and undermines their ability to exercise their personal freedom and responsibility. For example, a company may create artificial scarcity or urgency for a product or service by claiming that it is limited in quantity or time, or by offering discounts or incentives that expire soon. This can induce consumers to buy something impulsively, without considering their actual needs or alternatives. This is not only unethical, but also disrespectful, as it insults the intelligence and dignity of consumers by assuming that they are gullible and easily influenced.
Body Paragraph 3:
A third reason why targeting uninformed consumers is unethical is that it violates the principle of justice, which is the moral duty to give each person what he or she deserves according to some fair and impartial standard. Justice implies ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and that everyone is treated fairly and equitably according to their merits and needs. Targeting uninformed consumers involves creating an unequal and unfair situation in the marketplace, where some parties have an advantage over others due to their access to information and power. Targeting uninformed consumers can result in harming them financially, physically, emotionally, or socially by making them pay more than they should for inferior products or services, exposing them to health or safety risks, causing them stress or anxiety, or damaging their reputation or relationships.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, I have argued that targeting uninformed consumers is unethical as it violates the principles of honesty respect and justice. Targeting uninformed consumers involves lying to them manipulating them and harming them for one’s own benefit which goes against the moral values and norms that govern human interactions. Targeting uninformed consumers is not only immoral but also illegal in many cases as it breaches consumer protection laws that aim to ensure fair and transparent trade practices. Therefore I believe that targeting uninformed consumers should be avoided and condemned by both businesses and consumers alike as it undermines trust credibility and welfare in the marketplace.