Arneson argues that utilitarianism is a member of a broader family of views- consequentialism. Consequentialism posits that morality guides conduct in such a way that the outcome is better, such that actconsequentialism mandates, human beings to act in a way that maximizes good outcome.
Regarding biomedical ethics, Arneson concurs that international clinical trials are not all exploitative (Caplan & Arp, 2013). According to Arneson, if researchers follow an act of consequentialist-decision making guided by the principle of fairness, the result of the trial will not be considered immoral, hence it would not be wrongfully exploitative.
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Arneson also brings the concept of informed consent to defend his position on international clinical trials (Caplan & Arp, 2013). While international clinical trials are often labelled as ‘wrong,’ Arneson notes that one can consent to something ‘wrong’ even when they are aware, because they do not have any other alternative. For instance, poor people in poor nations agree to take part in international clinical trials, even with the knowledge that they will be used to test drugs since they do not have other options of accessing medical care. To them taking part in the clinical trial is associated with more good than harm. However, Arneson notes that informed consent is not enough due to cultural bias and influences from the researchers that could make the subjects agree with the clinical trial.
In the international clinical study scenario, Arneson qualifies his use of utilitarianism by stating that as long the trial is conducted well using consequentialist-decision making process and the principle of fairness, the process could be considered morally right. After all, utilitarianism-consequentialist perspective states that exploitation can only occur when participants are coerced, and when the outcome is worse than the initial situation.
Reference
Caplan, A. L., & Arp, R. (Eds.). (2013). Contemporary debates in bioethics (Vol. 27). John Wiley & Sons.
