Martin Shkreli on Drug Price Hikes and Playing the World’s Villain (Link to Video – https://youtu.be/2PCb9mnrU1g)
– Martin Shkreli is a 32-year-old entrepreneur and company builder. A modern-day Horatio Alger story, Shkreli grew up the son of two janitors in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, hustled his way into the hedge fund game, and is now worth at least $45 million. Although he made his money betting against the pharmaceutical industry, Shkreli switched to running a drug company in 2012. In August of last year, one of his companies acquired the rights to a drug that treats an infection that affects in people with AIDS and other immunodeficiencies. Overnight, the price per pill rose by more than 5000 percent, and Shkreli became the poster child for capitalistic greed.
– NOTE: This video is from 2016 and is included to depict Shkreli himself and his state of mind regarding his actions. Review the 2022 update on his case; ‘Pharma Bro’ Martin Shkreli Released from Prison (WebMD) Links to Story – https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20220519/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-released-from-prison#:~:text=May%2019%2C%202022%20%2D%2D%20Former,according%20to%20The%20Associated%20Press.
Thoughtfully reflect on the issues discussed in the talks you have viewed. Address the following points in your essay:
1) What is the speaker’s point of view about the topic? Is the speaker biased?
2) What ethical issues and ethical reasoning are argued?
3) Do you think that the issues discussed have moral and ethical implications? Why or why not?
4) Do you agree with the speaker’s point of view? Be specific and thorough. Express how and why you agree or disagree and discuss how ethics and values contribute to your opinion.
5) Consider the theoretical concepts discussed in the course. Do not just state your viewpoint, rather provide relevant details to support your findings and/or position.
