Ethics?
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
July 18, 2008 12:37pm CST
Scenario: You have stumbled upon an invention that could greatly benefit the majority of mankind. You patent your invention, copyright it, or whatever. Now you must decide , Do you make this invention readily accessible to everyone regardless of their economic status or set such a high price on it that only the privileged can afford to reap the benefits? Were I faced with this question, I would automatically opt to make this invention available to everyone. I truly believe that it is honorable to do all we can to make life better for as many as we can rather than for the elite. What would you do in this situation?
2 people like this
8 responses
@krayzietam (832)
• United States
18 Jul 08
I've heard this scenario before and my answer is still the same without hesitation. I would definitely make it available for everyone because I am not rich nor privileged in anyway and if someone else made this invention, I would hope that it would be available to me as well. Doing something out the goodness of your heart is more rewarding than riches, for money doesn't bring you happiness. I am sure I would be rewarded somehow for it later down the road.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Jul 08
Common sense dictates, krayzietam, that if this invention was made available to everyone there would still be much to be gained by the inventor.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
18 Jul 08
I have to live with myself and look at my face in the mirror so I would have to do what would be more beneficial for everyone and not what would only be beneficial to me. I think that people who do that are not moral at all.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Jul 08
We are in total agreement on that, spalladino. I don't know how true it is, but I have heard that inventions which could make life a lot better for humanity have been systematically "bought off" by those who would benefit more from the suffering of others.
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
19 Jul 08
I would begin with contacting our attorney to find out what steps need to be taken to put this product on the market. If he can't give me advise about important steps to be taken, he can advise me who to contact. There are plenty of patent attorney's available.
I would make the product available to everyone. To focus on one particular group might hurt sales. If someone is not financially in a position to buy the product, they could suggest to another family member they would like to have this for a gift and possibly make it all happen.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Jul 08
It would be logical to protect your interests, carolbee, but the final decision would be yours alone in regards to how the product is to be marketed.
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
18 Jul 08
I would make it avialible to anyone myself. I mean I have been in situations where I could hardly afford to eat. I was raised in a poor family so I understand about wanting to help others out.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Jul 08
That is the reason, Shaun, that I do not subscribe to the thinking that wealthy people can identify with the less fortunate. In fact, they don't have a clue about going without anything.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
23 Jul 08
You know you would make more money in the long run if you make your invention accessible to everyone over making it for a few.Look at the automobile. It was when Ford made it for the common man , that's when he made his fortune.So unless the invention Is for the rich, I would make sure that everyone could get my product.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
27 Jul 08
Thanks for the best response.I am so sorry to hear about your restaurant. Sadly, it could be that your restaurant's rent could have be raised and they didn't have a choice, especially if the neighborhood is changing, becoming more upscale.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Jul 08
I see your theory in practice all the time, sarah. As a case in point: There is a little neighborhood restaurant near where I live. The prices have always been very reasonable, making it possible for everyone to eat there often. I was shocked recently when I discovered the prices have almost doubled on everything on the menu. I know that food costs have risen lately, but this is ridiculous!
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
•
20 Jul 08
I would definitely want it more available and try to get it accessible to everyone who needed it! That is one of the problems I see with what many companies and individuals do with something that can help people - they price it so high that those who need it most cannot benefit, yet if they made it more affordable they would sell more and actually end up making more profit! xxx
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Jul 08
From what I understand, mummymo, it's more about power and control. It's like someone thinking they have something that you really need but they are withholding it from you by keeping the price at a level you will never be able to afford.
@GardenGerty (160883)
• United States
18 Jul 08
I would be like you, and make it readily available to all. In the long run, benefitting more people will benefit me more than sticking for an exclusive few. That is not why I would make it readily available to the masses, but it is the outcome that most likely would result. When we help others, we actually are helping ourself, whether we know it or not. We are all connected.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Jul 08
You're absolutely right, GG. It's sort of like the "trickle down" theory.
1 person likes this
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
18 Jul 08
Lets face it. How much money you can personally spend in your lifetime ?
Thats why people who hoard money are usually very selfish.
They don't know it, of course, but their view is also impractical.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Jul 08
It never ceases to amaze me, Bluepatch, why some people only wish to gain more of everything rather than sharing the wealth.
