M. Hayry, How to apply ethical principles to the biotechnological production of food- The case of bovine growth hormone, J AGR EN ET, 12(2), 2000, pp. 177-184
Ben Mepham has proposed that a "matrix" be used in the analysis of ethical
problems in food production and elsewhere. In particular cases, this matrix
would ideally cross the most important moral principles involved, and the
individuals and groups affected by the decisions. In the following, Mepham'
s model is assessed in the case of genetically engineered bovine growth hor
mone. My argument is that a more straightforwardly "consequentialist" analy
sis can draw attention to the problems of using the hormone better than Mep
ham's original proposal. It is possible, however, that some nuances will be
lost in the process. I do not, therefore, argue for the overall superiorit
y of my suggestion - it is merely a slightly different, and perhaps sometim
es a more promising, way to analyze the ethical dimensions of food producti
on and marketing.