Ethical Ethics Of Monsanto

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Monsanto is a publicly traded American multinational chemical, agriculture and biotechnology corporation. They are headquartered in greater St. Louis, Missouri. Monsanto is a leading producer of genetically engineered seeds, roundups and chemical based herbicide. Between 1983 and 1987 Monsanto was one of four groups to introduce genes into plants and was among the first to conduct trials of genetically modified crops (GMO’s). They have had major roles in agricultural changes, technology, lobbying of government agencies and major chemical components, which have surrounded the company in many controversies both locally and globally. Monsanto has been known to manufacture controversial and sometimes dangerous products such as, Roundup ready, …show more content…

First, they don’t follow the basis of Utilitarianism. Which, is the concept that right and wrong depends on the consequences of an action. Decisions producing the greatest good for the greatest number of stakeholders are ethical. The opposition might state that injecting cows with rBGH produces the greatest good for the greatest number because it raises the amount of milk production thus feeding more people. Nevertheless, I would disagree with the opposition because yes, it may produce and feed more people in the short term but in the long term, it will cause the greatest hurt/ death for the greatest number as it causes cancer. The consequences of these actions are negative (documented cancer causing chemicals) and it is unethical for Monsanto and the FDA to continue injecting cows with rBGH and not labeling or informing the consumer. Second, Monsanto is not following virtue ethics and that is not fair or right for the consumers of their products. This is the act of developing virtues such as honesty, integrity and trustworthiness that will lead to ethical decisions. Being a consumer of foods and goods you expect to buy food with the intention that it will not make you ill in the short or long term. With that being said, you also trust and believe in the integrity of the FDA to research, test and vet these products to double check their safety. Though, it seems that the FDA is taking lobbying more serious than health and safety concerns. Especially since they took payments and believed in research done solely by Monsanto. Consumers should be able to safely consume food and trust the producers of this food. Monsanto and the FDA do not participate in virtue ethics and have broken the trust of many

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