Watch Seeds Of Suicide

Watch Seeds Of Suicidehttpswwwyoutubecomwatchvq20fk Vtxnoyou

Watch Seeds of Suicide: You may pick 1 or more of these options for Video Discussion #3 (due 4/26 by 11:59 pm to Paper Drop Box): Should agribusiness companies be responsible for issues that arise after the transaction has taken place? What responsibility if any do Agribusiness companies have to the customers that purchase their products? Or you identify an issue from this video and apply ethical theory to it. The Main Point is to apply ethical theory to the issues you chose to discuss. Please ONLY use ethical theory in the book: The Fundamentals of Ethics(third edition) by Russ Shafer-Landau Pick from: Hedonism, Desire Satisfaction Theory, Divine Command Theory, Natural Law Theory, Ethical Egoism (NOT Psychological Egoism), Consequentialism or Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, Virtue Ethics, Social Contract Theory, Ethical Relativism (can include Cultural Relativism)

Paper For Above instruction

The video "Seeds of Suicide" addresses critical issues surrounding the responsibility of agribusiness companies regarding the impacts their products and practices have on consumers and society. It highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by these corporations, particularly in relation to public health, environmental sustainability, and corporate accountability after transactions are completed. This paper aims to analyze these issues by applying ethical theories from Russ Shafer-Landau's "The Fundamentals of Ethics" and to explore the extent of responsibility that agribusiness companies hold towards their customers and the broader community.

Introduction

The modern agribusiness industry plays a vital role in food production and distribution, yet it frequently faces scrutiny over ethical concerns such as product safety, environmental impact, and corporate responsibility. The central question is whether these companies bear responsibility for issues that manifest after the sale, especially considering the long-term health and environmental consequences associated with their products. By applying selected ethical theories, one can critically examine these responsibilities and propose ethically grounded solutions.

Responsibility of Agribusiness Companies After Transactions

Taking a consequentialist perspective, particularly utilitarianism, suggests that agribusinesses should be responsible for the overall well-being promoted through their products. If their practices lead to harm—such as health issues from pesticides or genetically modified organisms—they should be held accountable to minimize suffering and maximize benefits for society. This aligns with the ethical obligation to prevent harm, emphasizing that responsibility does not cease once a transaction concludes but persists in maintaining societal health and environmental sustainability.

From a Kantian ethics viewpoint, companies have a duty to respect the autonomy and dignity of consumers. Kant's principle of treating humanity as an end, not merely as a means, implies that corporations should ensure their products do not cause harm after purchase, as neglecting this duty would violate moral law and respect for persons. Thus, Kantian ethics advocates for ongoing responsibility and transparency for agribusinesses.

Responsibility to Customers

Applying virtue ethics encourages corporations to embody traits such as honesty, integrity, and responsibility. A virtuous company would prioritize consumer health and environmental stewardship, going beyond legal requirements to ensure long-term sustainability and social good. This ethical approach supports proactive engagement in product safety and transparency, fostering trust and moral good in corporate practices.

Similarly, social contract theory underscores that businesses operate within societal norms and agreements, implying an obligation to uphold the collective welfare. Engaging in practices that might harm consumers or the environment would violate the implicit contract that companies have with society, reinforcing the idea that responsibility extends beyond immediate transactions.

Application of Ethical Theories to Specific Issues

One issue highlighted in the video involves pesticide use and its long-term effects on human health and ecosystems. From a natural law perspective, which emphasizes living in accordance with nature's moral order, the use of harmful substances that disrupt ecological balance reflects a morality inconsistent with natural law. Companies should therefore avoid practices that violate natural laws and harm human health.

Utilitarianism would evaluate the overall consequences of pesticide application, weighing economic benefits against health and environmental damages. Policies that reduce harmful exposure, even if costly upfront, would be ethically justified to promote the greatest good for the greatest number.

Ethical egoism, focusing on self-interest, might justify harmful practices if they maximize corporate profits. However, this short-term view conflicts with broader societal well-being and long-term sustainability, demonstrating the ethical limitations of egoism in resolving complex responsibility issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, applying ethical theories demonstrates that agribusiness companies have ongoing responsibilities beyond the point of sale. Kantian ethics, virtue ethics, and utilitarianism collectively advocate for corporate accountability, product safety, and environmental stewardship. Recognizing these responsibilities aligns corporate practices with moral principles that promote societal well-being, environmental sustainability, and consumer trust.

References

• Shafer-Landau, R. (2017). The Fundamentals of Ethics (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). Philosophy and Human Nature. Routledge.
• Regan, T. (2004). The Case for Animal Rights. University of California Press.
• Mill, J. S. (2002). Utilitarianism. Hackett Publishing Company.
• Kant, I. (1993). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
• Aristotle. (2009). Nicomachean Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Basic Books.
• Sandel, M. J. (2009). Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.