Examples Of Ethical Issues In The Movie The Insider
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There are many ethical issues that can be found in the movie “The Insider”. The first dilemma identified was when Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation fired Dr. Wigand for beginning to express concerns about the danger of the cigarettes. They did this because they were afraid that he might expose the harmful effects of the cigarettes being produced, which would end up costing them money. The second ethical concern identified was when Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation management team and lawyers threatened Dr. Wigand that if he did not sign a confidentiality agreement, they would take away his severance package and benefits. They threatened Dr. Wigand because they were afraid that he would not abide by the confidentiality agreement he had signed while working, and they wanted to make extra sure that he would not release information.…show more content… They have scientists such as Dr. Wigand who have tested the effects of nicotine, identified and presented its addictive properties. Therefore, they made the pledge knowing that it was a false statement. Another dilemma which can be identified was the fact that the tobacco industry added ammonia to their cigarettes in order for the nicotine in them to be absorbed into the brain faster. As well, the amount of nicotine in cigarettes was increased to make them more addictive. The increase in the addictive properties of cigarettes was proven to have more harmful health effects, however, it increased the sales of cigarettes, so the cigarette industry did not inform consumers. A final ethical issue in the movie can be found when Dr. Wigand exposed the wrong-doings of the tobacco company to the show “60 minutes”, in doing so he broke his confidentiality