In this paper, I will argue that the tobacco industry has an ethical obligation to protect consumers from the harmful effects of their products. Despite being a legal product, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, responsible for over 7 million deaths each year. The industry has a long history of misleading the public about the health risks associated with smoking and manipulating the content and marketing of their products to attract youth and vulnerable populations.
One of the major reasons for my support for the consumer in this industry is the concept of corporate social responsibility. This theory holds that businesses have a moral responsibility to consider the impact of their actions on society and to take steps to mitigate any negative effects. In the case of the tobacco industry, this means taking steps to reduce the harm caused by their products and to inform the public about the risks associated with smoking.
Another reason for my support for the consumer is the concept of consumer sovereignty, which holds that consumers should have the right to make informed choices about the products they purchase. In the case of the tobacco industry, this means providing accurate and complete information about the health risks associated with smoking and not targeting vulnerable populations with misleading advertising.
The role of capitalism in corporate decision making is often to prioritize profits over ethical considerations. This can be seen in the tobacco industry, where companies have been known to prioritize profits over the health and well-being of their customers. However, it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly. This can be achieved through implementing corporate social responsibility policies and prioritizing transparency and honesty in their marketing and advertising practices.