In this paper I will argue that society influences one man’s ethics and so his actions affect the public sphere. The expectations of and the relationships we have with people impact how we decide to act towards others. Disregarding the morals and needs of those around us is selfish and may cause displeasure to either of us rather than promoting happiness to many. John Stuart Mill’s “Utilitarianism” and Bethany McLean’s article “Everything You Know About Martin Shkreli Is Wrong - Or Is It?” illustrates how our ethical code does not only affect our own private lives since we are, directly and indirectly, engaged in a mutually dependent relationship with others. Ethics dictates how we live and are vital to making significant decisions. Laws,
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On the other hand, if everyone lives how he pleases, disregarding other people’s rights, freedoms, and needs anarchy and chaos will ensue. Even though we each may have our own ethics to uphold, we cannot impose our liberties and beliefs on others because it infringes upon other people’s way of life. Mill’s concept of utilitarianism encourages people to practice their liberties only if it does not cause harm to others, otherwise interference is necessary (Mill 1863). Martin Shkreli’s decision to boost the prices for a life-saving drug results in worldwide discontent and also causes harm to the pregnant women, the ill, and the elderly (McLean 2015). Shkreli violates Mill’s philosophy, and by doing so, he does not contribute beneficial moral actions to society and causes global displeasure. Acting from self-regard, he takes advantage of FDA laws and vital pharmaceuticals for his own gain and in turn, infringes on other’s liberties by preventing patients from receiving essential medication, violating Mill’s principle. As such, someone must also interfere and put an end to Shkreli’s unethical deeds. Moreover, Shkreli’s idea of happiness revolves around the base and shallow pleasures Mill condemns (Mill 1863). We should
On the other hand, if everyone lives how he pleases, disregarding other people’s rights, freedoms, and needs anarchy and chaos will ensue. Even though we each may have our own ethics to uphold, we cannot impose our liberties and beliefs on others because it infringes upon other people’s way of life. Mill’s concept of utilitarianism encourages people to practice their liberties only if it does not cause harm to others, otherwise interference is necessary (Mill 1863). Martin Shkreli’s decision to boost the prices for a life-saving drug results in worldwide discontent and also causes harm to the pregnant women, the ill, and the elderly (McLean 2015). Shkreli violates Mill’s philosophy, and by doing so, he does not contribute beneficial moral actions to society and causes global displeasure. Acting from self-regard, he takes advantage of FDA laws and vital pharmaceuticals for his own gain and in turn, infringes on other’s liberties by preventing patients from receiving essential medication, violating Mill’s principle. As such, someone must also interfere and put an end to Shkreli’s unethical deeds. Moreover, Shkreli’s idea of happiness revolves around the base and shallow pleasures Mill condemns (Mill 1863). We should