The
Utilitarian Standpoint requires us to exercise in our agency and not do things
that can cause avoidable harm to others.Therefore, it is in our duty to assist and to do so must make decision that would have maximum benefits to all those who would be affected. Utilitarian recognizes people as the
most important factor and we are responsible for each other.
There are conflicts surrounding major
companies such as Apple, Lenovo and Samsung on the violation of human rights
and working conditions. I decided to have a brief discussion on campus with
groups and individuals I gave them a brief lesson on commodities, analyzing
commodity chains, and the ongoing conflicts. Initially, majority believed that exercising
their consumer right as consumers and boycotting these companies would be beneficial.
On the other hand, when the Utilitarian view was introduced some believed that
although the situation is bad if there is no demand for the products then these
people either have no source of income or would have to settle for even lower
wages. Peter Singer, a utilitarian, judges the right or wrong of an action
based on its consequences.
Is it morally and ethically right and responsible to boycott Apple because of poor working conditions and low wages in Chinese factories even though there is the possibility of the factories closing and thousands of person being unemployed? Remember: What matters are the consequences of our actions (Utilitarian Standpoint). With that said, certain customer action decisions go against utilitarian's believes of not to do avoidable harm and decisions deriving maximum benefit for all even though our hearts in are the good place
The project
was enlightening and successful because I was able to generate a discussion on
the issue. Also, I was able to share my knowledge as many person were unaware
how, where, who manufactures the products that they seem to cannot live without.
I managed to record one of the session. Below are the opinions and bloopers of one of the groups of people I interacted with.
What people know about the products they use
Are consumer's purchase decisions changed even after being informed?
The consequences of consumer actions such as Boycotting products
What is
your take on the topic? I am interested
to hear your point of view.
