Direct To Consumer Advertising Essay
Deontological Case to Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Drug Advertising
Introduction
Direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs is a controversial issue; is it ethical or does it lead to self-diagnosis and take advantage of those that desperately hope and need a cure? Pharmaceutical companies are using direct-to-consumer advertising through internet ads, TV ads and other mass media to target as many consumers as possible. Currently, New Zealand and the United States are the only two nations that allow direct-to-consumer drug advertising, (DeGeorge 320) this bates the question, why do other countries not allow this form of advertising, if it is ethical? From a deontological point of view, using Immanuel Kant’s, categorical imperative, this paper will address if direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs is ethical or unethical. “Deontologists maintain that actions are morally right or wrong independent of their consequences.” (DeGeorge 62) The Kant approach towards direct-to-consumer drug marketing tries to understand the intents of the pharmaceutical companies and to determine if their actions are ethical or unethical.
Moral Argument
According to Immanuel Kant, the motives of the person who carry out the action, determine if the action was right or wrong, not the outcome of the action. Kant argues …show more content…
Another benefit of direct-to-consumer advertising is one out of five patients say that seeing the advertisement helps remind them to take their medication daily. (PBS) Although many patients name drop particular drugs, it is the doctor’s moral duty to prescribe the proper dosage and proper medication to each patient. (PBS) With that being said, direct-to-consumer advertising is moral under Kant’s Categorical Imperative.
Introduction
Direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs is a controversial issue; is it ethical or does it lead to self-diagnosis and take advantage of those that desperately hope and need a cure? Pharmaceutical companies are using direct-to-consumer advertising through internet ads, TV ads and other mass media to target as many consumers as possible. Currently, New Zealand and the United States are the only two nations that allow direct-to-consumer drug advertising, (DeGeorge 320) this bates the question, why do other countries not allow this form of advertising, if it is ethical? From a deontological point of view, using Immanuel Kant’s, categorical imperative, this paper will address if direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs is ethical or unethical. “Deontologists maintain that actions are morally right or wrong independent of their consequences.” (DeGeorge 62) The Kant approach towards direct-to-consumer drug marketing tries to understand the intents of the pharmaceutical companies and to determine if their actions are ethical or unethical.
Moral Argument
According to Immanuel Kant, the motives of the person who carry out the action, determine if the action was right or wrong, not the outcome of the action. Kant argues …show more content…
Another benefit of direct-to-consumer advertising is one out of five patients say that seeing the advertisement helps remind them to take their medication daily. (PBS) Although many patients name drop particular drugs, it is the doctor’s moral duty to prescribe the proper dosage and proper medication to each patient. (PBS) With that being said, direct-to-consumer advertising is moral under Kant’s Categorical Imperative.