Amartya Sen, ethics, and economics in the health care sector.
Date
2011-11-23
Authors
Histed, Wendy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Economics promotes market mechanisms for the efficient use of
resources in satisfying human want, yet market mechanisms are
apparently unable to provide adequate health care and thereby
satisfy a need central to a person’s well-being. This research
report looks at the views of Amartya Sen and particularly his
ideas of distributive justice and capability. It also considers some
of the insights that economics provides for an understanding of
the apparent limitations that occur in health care provision. The
findings point towards a curtailed view of what may reasonably be
obtained and a recognition that only limited agreement on any
arrangement for health care provision may be possible within
society. Sen’s capability approach provides a pertinent and
expansive measure of a person’s well-being and freedom; it
should not be ignored in any evaluation of well-being or the
acceptability of any policy purporting to improve well-being.