At Dallas Laser Printers, we are not just printer repair experts, we are humans too. One of my passions is theology and the different approaches to faith. And for someone like me who is technical and detail orientated there are few scholars that resonate like St. Thomas Aquinas. In his masterwork the Summa Theologica (Summa Theologiæ) Aquinas uses a rational, logic based process of argument vs rebuttal to create a guide to the teachings of Christianity. The treatise spans from the concepts of God in general to the tenants of the Church in the 13th century. So I thought it would be fun to see how Aquinas would have argued for the value of compatible toner over the name brand toner. Luckily, AI can give us that glimpse. So here is ChatGPT’s interpretation of an Aquinas style approach to choosing between compatible and OEM toner. Enjoy!
A Treatise on the Superiority of Compatible Toner over OEM Toner
By the grace of reason, we shall seek to explain the cause of the greater goodness found in compatible toner as compared to its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) counterpart. For the purpose of this inquiry, let us observe and reason as follows.
Article I: Whether Compatible Toner is Justly Preferred over OEM Toner?
Objection 1: It may seem that OEM toner, being the product of the original manufacturer, is of superior quality. For surely, the manufacturer of the printer would be the best arbiter of its necessary components. Hence, the higher price of OEM toner is a reflection of its greater virtue, making compatible toner, by comparison, inferior.
Sed Contra: It is manifest from experience that the cost of an item does not directly correlate to its true value. As St. Augustine has wisely taught, “Price does not determine quality, but rather the substance and fit for purpose.” And so, we must examine whether the utility of compatible toner is greater than that of its OEM counterpart.
Reply to Objection 1: While it is true that the manufacturer creates the original toner, it is no more than a matter of tradition and commerce that they insist upon a higher price. That the compatible toner operates as effectively as the OEM toner—providing the same service and fulfilling the same function—is sufficient evidence that the compatible toner is equal in efficacy. The greater price demanded by the OEM is a result of their claim to exclusivity, not necessarily an indicator of superior performance.
Article II: Whether Compatible Toner Provides the Same Performance as OEM Toner?
Objection 1: One might argue that the design of OEM toner is the result of specific engineering tailored to its respective printer. Thus, compatible toner, being designed by a third party, cannot possess the same precision or quality.
Sed Contra: The truth of the matter lies in the universal principle that “the good is that which fulfills its purpose.” Compatible toner is designed and tested to meet the precise specifications required to operate effectively in the printer, just as the OEM toner does. It does not fail in producing clear prints, crisp text, or vibrant colors. Furthermore, many studies and customer testimonies affirm that compatible toner delivers results that are virtually indistinguishable from the OEM product.
Reply to Objection 1: The argument from precision fails, for it assumes that a unique design is necessary for excellence, yet this is not the case. Compatible toners, like any well-made tool, are designed to perform with efficacy. Just as the artisan can craft a tool to function as well as, or even better than, the original design, so too can the compatible toner meet all the necessary specifications for printing excellence.
Article III: Whether Compatible Toner Is More Economical Than OEM Toner?
Objection 1: It may be contended that the price of compatible toner is a reflection of lower quality, and thus one ought to pay the higher price for OEM toner to ensure that the printing needs are met in the long run.
Sed Contra: The wise philosopher Aristotle teaches that “the greatest value lies in obtaining that which fulfills one’s need with the least expenditure.” Compatible toner delivers the same quality prints at a fraction of the cost. By this reasoning, it is evident that the value of compatible toner is superior, for it accomplishes the same task at a lower price, thereby providing greater utility.
Reply to Objection 1: It is only natural that one who seeks to fulfill a need in a manner most beneficial to the common good would choose the more affordable option that does not compromise on efficacy. The lower price of compatible toner allows individuals and businesses alike to maintain their printing needs at a cost-effective rate, promoting wise stewardship of resources.
Conclusion:
It is therefore clear, through reason and reflection, that compatible toner is superior to OEM toner in its ability to perform the task of printing with equal or greater efficacy and at a more reasonable cost. As such, it is not only a wise and prudent choice, but one that reflects the true principles of value and utility in all things.
Let us then choose the compatible toner, that we might enjoy the full benefit of our printing needs, without being unduly burdened by the excess cost of the OEM alternative. And in this choice, let us find peace in knowing we have acted in accordance with reason and virtue.
Email us or call 800-851-5104 to see how you too can avoid being “unduly burdened by the excess cost” of OEM toner!