1. What moral issues does the Pinto case raise?

2. SupposeFordofficialswereaskedtojustifytheir decision. What moral principles do you think they would invoke? Assess Fords handling of the Pinto from the perspective of each of the moral theories discussed in this chapter.

3. Utilitarians would say that jeopardizing motorists does not by itself make Fords action morally objectionable. The only morally relevant matter is whether Ford gave equal consideration to the interests of each affected party. Do you think Ford did this?

4. Is cost-benefit analysis a legitimate tool? What role, if any, should it play in moral deliberation? Critically assess the example of cost-benefit analysis given in the case study. Is there anything unsatisfactory about it? Could it have been improved upon in some way?

5. Speculate about Kants response to the idea of placing a monetary value on a human life. Is doing so ever morally legitimate?

6. What responsibilities to its customers do you think Ford had? What are the most important moral rights, if any, operating in the Pinto case?

7. Would it have made a moral difference if the savings resulting from not improving the Pinto gas tank had been passed on to Fords customers? Could a rational customer have chosen to save a few dollars and risk having the more dangerous gas tank? What if Ford had told potential customers about its decision?