Moral Decision Making

Question 1

Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that its baby powder contained asbestos

Lisa Girion, Reuters

December 15, 2018

According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters, Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that its baby powder contained asbestos. The documents said from at least 1971 to the early 2000s the powders sometimes tested positive for small traces of asbestos.

The documents apparently showed that company executives and lawyers were worried about the problem and how to address it, but never disclosed it to regulators or the public.

Incorporating what you learned in Unit 1, regarding the steps in moral decision-making and how it is different from everyday decision-making, describe what in your opinion, the company should have done when they became aware that their product sometimes tested positive for small traces of asbestos.

Please respond substantively to least two of your classmates, weighing in regarding your thoughts about what they have expressed.

Question 2

which theory (RIGHTS or UTILITARIANISM) you think should be used for the case. Think the ARGUMENT conclusion should be and why, (for example “rights violated because we have the right to free movement”, etc.). You can also make suggestions for parts of the ARGUMENT OUTLINE and for the TECH FIX. Giving your opinion counts.