4. Was it ethical for the tobacco industry to continue to market cigarettes, even after evidence emerged that smoking caused lung cancer and other illnesses?
Purely from a rule utilitarian and personal rights perspective, it is difficult to justify so-called vice legislation, because governmental paternalism conflicts with individual freedoms of adults to make choices for themselves. From a more general functional utilitarianism perspective and general principles of justice in society, certain personal vices require legislation, simply because even their personal use harms society as a whole (Taylor, 1989). For example, tobacco use in public is a direct threat to the health and welfare of others, by virtue of exposure to second-hand smoke. Even more importantly, the aggregate cost in medical expenses ultimately borne by public health systems and insurers depletes public resources.
Ethically, there is no justification for manufacturing a product known to cause as much harm and human suffering as tobacco, when used exactly as intended by its manufacturers. The mere fact that tobacco manufacturers purposely add an ingredient designed to make their product addictive creates an ethical problem much larger than simply providing a product whose use is a matter of choice rather than clinical addiction.
5. Is new tobacco legislation needed? What would be the key elements of such a legislation?
The 1997/98 settlement falls short of what is required for the benefit of public welfare: instead of limiting only advertising through cartoon characters, tobacco should be banned from advertisements depicting its use by human characters as well, and also from any association with professional sports.
Additional legislation should approach smoking as an unnecessary health risk for which non-participants should not have to subsidize the costs incurred by users. Smoking should be ineligible for public medical assistance programs in connection with treatment for smoking-caused illness, and their insurance premiums should reflect their disproportionate impact on health care costs in comparison to non-smokers. In principle,...
Tobacco Industry History of Tobacco Ancient Times Fifteenth Century Sixteenth Century Seventeenth Century Eighteenth Century Nineteenth Century Twentieth Century Modern Times Corporate Stakeholders Ethics & Social Values Ecology & Natural Resources Saint Leo Core Values Throughout its long and storied history, tobacco has served the various appetites of religious shamans, aristocratic noblemen, common sailors, money changers and modern-day captains of industry. The aeromatic plant grew naturally in the moderate climates of the Americas and was transported to every corner of the world by seagoing
Tobacco and Its Influence on the American Economy Tobacco trade has been an integral part of the American economy for centuries. From its early use by the Native American Indians to its adoption by the European settlers in the New World in the early 17th century, tobacco has played a significant role in early and modern America in both an economic and political sense. "By the advent of the Civil War,
Ironically, those opposed to smoking used the very same medium to help kill smoking in public places, restaurants, and even cars when children are present (as is the case in several states now). Smoking and tobacco products are a pariah now - no longer the universal symbol of cool, no matter how much money the companies spend on advertising. The alcohol and gambling industries, on the other hand, have clearly taken
I would continue offering information including access to Web sites, books, and multimedia sources. If possible, I will spend extra time with the patient to help them reinforce their decision and offer psychological support. Other ways to address resistance to change include asking the patient's family members and close friends to participate in their treatment plan. If the patient has children, the children can volunteer information about how they feel
Interference of nicotine with the immune system further aggravates the chances of cardio-vascular disease. ("High Blood Pressure") Carbon monoxide, another constituent of tobacco smoke, latches on to the red blood cells reducing their ability to carry oxygen to the heart muscles and other parts of the body. It also causes thickening of the blood which can lead to a greater likelihood of clotting and increased risk of CHD. Works Cited Cigarette
Tobacco There are numerous legislative actions that have been addressed at the federal level. Both these laws, and the State of Washington's rules and regulations regarding tobacco and smoking present a complete overview of how this behavior is regulated. The federal laws are numerous but there are some that stand out more than others when legislating tobacco. The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 prevented deception in acts of commerce which affected
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