Eli Liily Practices

Discuss Eli Lilly’s practices from the perspectives of utilitarianism and rights. The utilitarian principle affirms that, “an action is right from an ethical point of view if and only if the sum total of utilities produced by that act is greater than the sum total of utilities produced by any other act the agent could have performed in its place.” (Velasquez, 61) When Lilly began using homeless alcoholic subjects for phase 1 testing, they met the requirements set forth by Congress and the FDA. These subjects came forward, regardless of their personal motivation, to perform a service that would benefit the greater good.

This act exemplifies utilitarianism. (Utilitarianism Principle, 63) To oppose this principle we would argue the two moral issues of rights and justice simultaneously. Some actions are morally right even if they are unjust (Utilitarianism Principle). An example of this would be a decision to steal food for your family or to let them go hungry. A person would need to decide between “legal good” versus “greater good” of feeding your family. The basic notion that separates justice from morality and suggests that one need only consider morality. (Rule-utilitarianism, 69)

In your judgment, is the policy of using homeless alcoholics for the test subjects morally appropriate? Why or Why not? I believe that it is morally appropriate to use homeless alcoholics for test subjects if you consider this, an action is morally right if carrying out the action the agent exercises, exhibits or develops a morally virtuous character, and is morally wrong to the extent that by carrying out the action the agent exercises, exhibits, or develops a morally vicious character. (Virtue theory, 112) To oppose this principle we would argue the two moral issues of rights and justice simultaneously. Some actions are morally right even if they are unjust (Utilitarianism Principle).

An example of this would be a decision to steal food for your family or to let them go hungry. A person would need to decide between “legal good” versus “greater good” of feeding your family. The basic notion that separates justice from morality and suggests that one need only consider morality. (Rule-utilitarianism, 69) The sacrifices these men are making are for the ultimate good of society. (Utilitarianism theory).