In Defense of Advertising

05/31/1994 Jerry Kirkpatrick

Tags: Media and Culture

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In Defense of Advertising is a theoretical defense based on the philosophy of Ayn Rand and the economics of Ludwig von Mises. It argues that the proper foundations of advertising are reason, ethical egoism, and laissez-faire capitalism. Its theme is that the social and economic criticisms of advertising are false because they are based on a false philosophic and economic world view. Only an alternative world view can refute the charges and put forth a positive moral evaluation of advertising’s role in human life. The author defends advertising because it appeals to the rational self-interest of consumers for the rationally selfish, profit-making gain of the capitalists.

In Defense of Advertising by Jerry Kirkpatrick

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Meet the Author

Jerry Kirkpatrick

Jerry Kirkpatrick is professor of international business and marketing at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and author of In Defense of Advertising: Arguments from Reason, Ethical Egoism, and Laissez-Faire Capitalism

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Peddlers of Ideas

08/15/2008 Mises Daily Jerry Kirkpatrick

I realize that many teachers today would consider it demeaning to be called a “peddler” — even a peddler of knowledge and ideas. I consider it a badge of honor. In a free market in education, teachers would be sales reps for their schools. Catering to needs and wants is the challenging task of, first, identifying the needs and wants of one’s customers, then carefully crafting products that will meet those needs and wants. The teacher who does this successfully year after year is a peddler par excellence and deserves praise.

“It’s Just Being Turned into a Business...”

11/26/2007 Mises Wire Jerry Kirkpatrick

This lament is often heard today about medicine and education, among other fields. Business, however, is the last thing medicine and education have been turned into. Bureaus of the government would be...

As Southern California Burns

10/23/2007 Mises Wire Jerry Kirkpatrick

Four years after the conflagration of 2003, we in southern California once again are enjoying the sight of pink skies not caused by the sun, the aroma of burning chaparral, and the sting of smoke...

View Jerry Kirkpatrick bio and works

References

TLJ Books, Claremont, California, 2007

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