Kantian Theory

Ethical Dilemma

China, the second largest country in the world after Russia. China milk production have been increasing, from 28.65 million tons in 2005 to 36.33 million tons in 2007. The figure shows that China milk production business optimism so the competitive become more intense. This is one of the reason that Sanlu decide to add melamine to the milk to maximum the profit. As such , three principles of Kant’s ethic and are not upheld.

Kantian Theory

Kant’s ethic is one of the non-consequentialist theories attribute to German philosopher Immanuel Kant that emphasize three principles.

The first principle is an action done for a ‘good will’ was a right action, irrespective of the consequences. Although adding melamine into the milk can past the food quality test by increase protein percentage contrived. At the same time, the company can lower the production cost in order to maximum the profit from market. However, the execution doesn’t have contained any good will.

The second principle is emphasized the categorical imperative moral law. The action must be 100% agreed by people and during the process of attaining the goal, respect and humanity must be the first to persist. Sanlu company decide add melamine into the milk to gain more profits. Melamine is rich in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive. It can be used to pretend milk that has been watered-down by standard quality tests for protein levels. Consumed by humans, it can cause kidney damage or even renal failure, health expert worry. Sanlu scaled two sides and decide to maximize the profit of scarified customer’s benefit. Therefore, the action can’t be acceptable to everyone.

The third principle in kantian theory is ‘humans are the and, not the means’, we shouldn’t treat the people disrespect and no use human as a tool to make money. Many food company ignore human health and tries cheating on food quality test. They simply consider short-term interest of company. This is morally because it affect the health of millions and millions of humans. Health and safety product should improve humans’ health and people can consumed the product safety.  Consequently, it is inferable that the actions are deemed unethical.