Everyday Ethics

Not long ago I participated in a fundraiser to support the development of cancer treatments, with the stated end goal of finding a cure for cancer.  These sorts of events are quite common, and one tends to be motivated to participate by a sense of doing what is right.  However, after some philosophical reflections, I have to wonder if there isn’t something inherently wrong with participating in these sorts of events. 

 This should come as a bit of a shock, and requires substantial explanation.  First, many of these types of events, certainly all of those I have participated in, are pursuing the stated goal of curing cancer.  The problems with this are twofold.  First, this is highly misleading because it suggests that cancer has a single source and can be cured universally by finding a single cure.  Second, it ignores the fact that the cure for cancer would likely be some kind of pharmaceutical, and the pharmaceutical industry makes billions by treating diseases like cancer, but would make far less by curing it.

 Participating in cancer fundraisers thus produces two problems.  First, it creates a false sense of hope among those who have cancer by suggesting that cancer can be cured absolutely and across the board.  Second, it directs people’s attention away from a much bigger problem, namely that pharmaceutical companies have a vested interest in not curing cancer, and no amount of fundraising is likely to change that.

 There remain positive features of these types of fundraisers, especially the message of hope that is given to survivors and individuals who are currently fighting cancer.  This can be especially helpful to those who are likely to have a recurrence, as a positive mental attitude has proven to be instrumental in beating a bout of cancer.  In addition, these events create a sense of unity among both survivors and people in general.  When we gather together in support of a cause, it helps us to realize that we are capable of this sort of collective responsiveness, which is crucial to solving the really tough problems in our world.

 It seems that as individuals, we must decide between the positive and negative consequences of participating in cancer fundraisers.  Its not clear how this can be done, and my hunch is that most people will be far more moved by the positive consequences, as well as likely to deny the negative consequences I have pointed to.  Perhaps it is sufficient to simply plant a seed of doubt.  Although things like cancer fundraisers appear to be obvious examples of right actions, this is not always the case.  It is only by carefully analyzing the realities of these scenarios that we can realize what is right, whatever that may end up being.  Most importantly, our first responses to things are not always the right ones, and it is important to realize when we are being deceived.

About the Author

Elijah Weber is a graduate student at Bowling Green State University. He holds a Master's degree in philosophy from Colorado State University, and Bachelor’s degrees in sociology and philosophy from Chapman Univerity. He currently lives in Bowling Green, Ohio with his wife Laura, his newborn son Brandon, and his feline life-partner Monte.