The Ford Pinto Case

In engineering, several ethical theories are utilized in order to distinguish ethical actions from unethical ones. These theories include duty ethics, rights ethics, virtue ethics, and utilitarianism. While each of these theories focuses on different aspects of moral behavior, they all are based upon the idea that people need to abide by an ethical code of conduct. When examining an engineering case such as the Ford Pinto Case, it can be demonstrated how each ethical theory is applied in practice and how, in many cases, utilitarianism is superior to the other ethical theories.

In 1971, Ford President Lee Iacocca instructed his workers to create a new car with specific restrictions; each car had to weigh no more than 2000 pounds and cost no

Duty ethics, a theory founded by Immanuel Kant, is based upon principles that focus on the intentions of one’s actions rather than the outcome. It was founded upon the idea that each individual has a hierarchy of duties and obligations that should not and cannot be broken regardless of the circumstances. Ford’s duty was to create a car that was in accordance with all standards imposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Pinto complied with NHTSA standards, and Ford did not have any obligation to make the car any safer than the law required. Ford had no intention of causing so many deaths. They only aimed to create a car that adhered to all required safety standards. Thus, it can be argued that when analyzing this case from the duty ethics perspective, Ford did everything correctly, and the tragic outcome was a result of

Ford demonstrated an abuse of utilitarianism; the decision not to repair faults represented a denial of doing no harm and of the rights to life and safety. Utilitarianism also does not allow for placing a value on human suffering, which Ford did. In considering that the ends justify the means, quantity and not ‘who' suffers has significance, as it is “the greatest number for the greatest good”. Utilitarianism is superior to the other ethical theories because it gives a different perspective that, if strictly followed in this case, would have prevented the loss of millions of lives. When applied in theory, the comparison of good and bad consequences provides a method of ensuring that companies consider the ethical reasoning of their actions. This helps to suggest that utilitarianism can positively influence ethical business practices as long as the principles are not abused and true costs can be accurately