Assignment task:
Writing Assignment:
Product Liability and Business Ethics in "The Devil We Know"
Overview:
In this assignment, you will either watch the documentary "The Devil We Know" or read about the C8 study stemming from the class action lawsuit filed by residents of Parkersburg, West Virginia against DuPont.
This case involves the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as C8, in the production of Teflon and its effects on health and the environment.
Objective:
Your task is to analyze the legal, ethical, and business implications of DuPont's actions regarding the use of PFOA. You will examine the aspects of product liability and business ethics illustrated in this scenario and discuss the broader implications for businesses dealing with potentially harmful products.
This assignment relates to the following course objectives:
- utilize online and library resources to evaluate and disseminate information,
- apply theories used in product liability matters to fictional scenarios,
- analyze the various ethical theories that apply to business.
Assignment Details:
1. Preparation. Choose an option:
o Option 1: Watch the documentary "The Devil We Know" (2018) through an online resource such as Netflix, AppleTV, Hulu or another service provider
o Option 2: Read detailed accounts of the C8 study and the outcomes of the class action lawsuit against DuPont linked here and here.
o Students may also review the recent EPA final regulations on limiting PFAS exposure in drinking water in the United States that were issued in 2024 for further background on the current research on PFAS exposure and disease load in the US population here.
2. Research Paper Requirements:
o Length: 8-10 pages, double-spaced.
o Citation Format: MLA citation style. Students should cite to works in-line where used in your research paper, and should include a Works Cited section with full citations at the end of the paper.