1) You are a leader of a corporation and have been asked to decide between some designs
for a child car-safety seat, using information such as that listed below. How much, in your
estimation, would you pay for a seat yourself? How much, in your estimation, would the
average customer be willing to pay for a safety seat? How much, therefore, is the life of
a child worth? How are utilitarian principles at work in this case?
Cost Percentage of deaths at 70 mph
$20 80%
$50 60%
$70 30%
$150 10%
$500 5%
2) Read the “On the Edge” article on page 92 of the text (Working for Elli Lilly & Company).
Discuss the questions that follow:
1. Discuss Eli Lilly’s practice from the perspectives of utilitarianism and rights.
2. In your judgement, is the policy of using homeless alcoholics for test subjects morally appropriate?
