Problem
Opioid addiction continues to be a cause for national and global concern. Each year, hundreds of thousands wind up in the black market to be sold illegally. Some government organizations, such as a congressional crime committee, believe that pharmaceutical companies cannot be blamed if their products are used illegally.
a) Do pharmaceutical companies have any moral responsibility to ensure their products are not consumed illegitimately?
b) How would you recognize an ethical pharmaceutical company - what are its characteristics?
c) Which organization should be held morally culpable for solving this issue?
d) Be sure to include the perspectives of social contract theory and virtue ethics in your responses.