Immanuel Kant And The Ford Pinto Case - 991 Words

Immanuel Kant and The Ford Pinto Case Immanuel Kant ¶s theory on morals states that  ³nothing can possibly be conceived in the world, or even out of it, which can be called good, without qualification, except a good will. ´ 1 Kant points to other human qualities such as courage, intelligence, wit and others that are  ³undoubtedly good and desirable, ´ 2 however, can become bad if the will of the person using them is not good. Kant maintains that in order for an action to be considered moral, it should first remove the  ³what it performs or effects ´ 3 andsecondly the  ³attainment of some proposed end. ´ 4 In removing these motivation and outcomes of anaction, how can an action be considered moral? Kant states that a reasonable person should†¦show more content†¦gas tanks and dangerous leaks. ´ 7 The fire and explosion risk that could occur even during low speed rear-end impact was reported, however, Ford made the decision to continue with the original design. It seemsFord officials made their decision to continue with the original design of the Pinto firstly, due to the spedup production schedule and any changes would mean retooling of the production line, which would addanother year to the schedule. Secondly, they conducted a cost-benefit analysis where they calculated thevalue of human life at $200, 000, a serious burn injury at $67, 000 and estimated deaths of 180 people andserious burns to 180 people. They determined that the reworked gas tank on the Pinto would cost $137million while possible liability cost could work out to be $49 million. Ford decided it would be more profitable to produce the Pinto with the defect rather than correct the flaw. The results was numerous preventable deaths, serious fire related injuries or damages and  ³approximately fifty lawsuits we re brought against Ford in connection with the rear-end accidents in the Pinto, ´ 8 Ford was even chargedwith a criminal homicide in the case of three teenagers burning to death when their Pinto was rear-endedand the gas tank burst into flames.In applying Kant ¶s ethics to the Ford Pinto case, we would begin by examining the  ³good will ´ inFord ¶s decision. Ford was greatly motivated as  ³imports were eating up more and more of the subcompactauto market, ´ 9Show MoreRelatedWhat Is Best Interest Of Our Shareholders Or A Sense Of Duty Or Universal Rules?877 Words   |  4 Pagesduty or universal rules that guide business decisions? The 18th century philosopher Immanuel Kant would suggest that these be the only thing that should play a factor when making any decisions, including those made in business. Kant’s theory took a nonconsequentialist viewpoint, in that we should not make decisions based on the consequences of our actions. Our actions should be based the will of goodness, or what Kant would describe as goodwill. When we act with a sense of good will, we act with a senseRead MoreThe American Automobile And The Foreign Car Manufacturers2686 Words   |  11 Pagesexamination of how people institutions should behave in the world of commerce. Specifically, it examines self-interest and profits, versus moral values and ethics. The Ford Pinto was a new stylish car, which gave Ford an ultimatum. Save money or save lives. In this paper I will explain the ethical problems with the Ford Pinto and why it’s imperative for corporations to incorporate ethics into their companies. The American automobile and the foreign car manufacturers were battling in 1960-70s