Nowadays advertising seems to be ubiquitous. We notice it everywhere, and we seem to intuitively grasp its pervasive nature. But is it possible to define it? This book is a pioneering attempt to offer a definition of the omnipresence of advertising. It is also an ethics-focused critique of this phenomenon through the lens of relational autonomy. As relational beings, we need trustworthy others to support us in being ourselves and being autonomous. However, according to the argument of this book, the omnipresence of advertising leads to the erosion of trust necessary for such interpersonal support. Moreover, it hinders the development of critical reasoning and turns us into captive audiences, all of which undermines our autonomy competency. Is there still a way to enjoy ad-freedom?

Joanna Iwanowska, PhD, is an ethicist whose research focuses mainly on relational ethics, especially relational autonomy, and the ethics of advertising. She is a lecturer at the Philosophy Department, University of Warsaw, and an editor at the academic journal ETYKA.