Principles of Persuasion: Are They Tools or Weapons?

Discussion Questions Class 11
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Renowned psychologist Dr. Robert Cialdini famously showed how individuals copy what they observe their counterparts do. In his 6 principles of persuasion, Cialdini cites social proof, authority, reciprocity, likability, scarcity, and commitment, and consistency as the vital elements (Cialdini, 2021). Often, conversations entail persuasions and convincing another person to align with your thoughts and desires. Are these principles tools or weapons? The mentioned principles can either be tools or weapons depending an individual or organization uses them. If ethically used for a greater good, they are considered tools, however, if used for selfish purposes (unethically) to attain individual goals then one can consider them to be weapons.
Notably, people can use these principles positively in their personal and professional lives. Reciprocity demands from one person to give something to get another in return....