Depending on one’s perspective or level of awareness, the term consumerism might take on a variety of meanings. One thing is quite certain, however, we Americans enjoy consuming and more so, doing it conveniently. Unsurprisingly, the field of advertising in the business world is specifically dedicated to understanding exactly what products or services are of interest to us, the consumers. Commercial entities spend considerable amount of resources to advertising. The pharmaceutical industry is no different. It is with this context in mind and utilizing the Deontological framework, that I will examine the ethical fabric of direct pharmaceutical marketing to consumers.
In the age of information, we are no longer limited to television and radio to obtain knowledge. As manifested by my own experiences, if someone would have told me fifteen years ago, that I was to complete my college education online, I would have laughed. I am quite content that technology has put us where we are today. The advertising industry can probably express the same sentiment. However, recently, there has been a growing concern about the ethical soundness of pharmaceutical companies directly marketing prescription medication to consumers. A number of organizations are actively lobbying congress in attempts to establish legislation prohibiting pharmaceutical companies to directly market prescription drugs to consumers (Gregory). However, it seems that this argument might be skewed and its intentions a bit misguided. Is it that they are against the methods in which pharmaceutical companies use to engage consumers? Is it the frequency? Maybe it is the staggering revenue figures companies earn that put a negative twist to people on the opposing end of this deba...
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In America today, many people are in need of medical help. In fact,the Federal Trade Commission estimates that 75% of the population complain of physical problems (Federal Trade Commission 9). They complain, for example, of fatigue, colds, headaches, and countless other "ailments." When these symptoms strike, 65% purchase over-the counter, or OTC, drugs. In order to take advantage of this demand, five billion dollars is spent by the pharmaceutical industry on marketing each year . This marketing, usually in the form of advert...
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising refers to one of the marketing strategies in a pharmaceutical industry. As pharmaceutical products directly affect people's lives and health, many industrialized countries ban DTC advertisements; the United States and New Zealand are the only industrialized countries that allow DTC advertising of prescription medicines. However, there is a controversy over whether DTC advertising, as one of the most effective forms of mass communication, should be more regulated than it is now. This debate is ongoing. This research argument, however, contends that people need stronger regulations against many DTC advertisements in the pharmaceutical industry because they are usually manipulative and misleading to people.
Wilson , James G. S., “Rights”, Principles of Health Care Ethics, Second Edition, eds. R.E. Ashcroft, A. Dawson, H. Draper and J.R. McMillan. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 2007. pp. 239.
Direct-to-consumer prescription drug ads are dangerous and can have serious effects on the health of the general public. In the article “Pros & Cons Arguments: ‘Should prescription drugs be advertised directly to consumers?’”, the pros and cons of the advertising of prescription drugs are compared. The negative aspects of these ads outweigh that of the positives. DTC prescription drug ads misinform patients, promote over-usage, and pressure medical providers. The counter side argues that these ads inform patients, create a positive impact on patient compliance with medication, and cause patients to confront their doctors.
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In this paper, I will argue that Kant provides us with a plausible account of morality. To demonstrate that, I will initially offer a main criticism of Kantian moral theory, through explaining Bernard Williams’ charge against it. I will look at his indulgent of the Kantian theory, and then clarify whether I find it objectionable. The second part, I will try to defend Kant’s theory.
O'Neill, O. (1986). A Simplified Account of Kantian Ethics. Matters of life and death (pp. 44-50). n.a.: McGraw-Hill.
Kant gives a number of versions of what he calls the Principal of Morality. O’nei...
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‘Kantian Ethics’ in [EBQ] James P Sterba (ed) Ethics: the Big Questions, Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1998, 185-198. 2) Kant, Immanuel. ‘Morality and Rationality’ in [MPS] 410-429. 3) Rachel, James. The Elements of Moral Philosophy, fourth edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
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