Balancing small against large burdens

Voorhoeve, Alex (2018) Balancing small against large burdens. Behavioural Public Policy, 2 (1). pp. 125-142. ISSN 2398-063X

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Abstract

Common principles for resource allocation in health care can prioritize the alleviation of small health burdens over lifesaving treatment. I argue that there is some evidence that these principles are at odds with a sizable share of public opinion, which holds that saving a life should take priority over any number of cures for minor ailments. I propose two possible explanations for this opinion, one debunking and one vindicatory. I also outline how well-designed surveys and moral enquiry could help decide between them. Finally, I consider how priority-setting principles could be adjusted if the view that saving a life always trumps alleviating small burdens were vindicated.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioura...
Additional Information:	© 2017 Cambridge University Press
Divisions:	Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Date Deposited:	23 Jan 2017 14:10
Last Modified:	18 Apr 2024 00:09
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/68965

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