Abstract
This editorial questions the implications of the capability approach for health economics. Two specific issues are considered: the evaluative space of capablities (as opposed to health or utility) and the decision-making principle of maximisation. The paper argues that the capability approach can provide a richer evaluative space enabling improved evaluation of many interventions. It also argues that more thought is needed about the decision-making principles both within the capability approach and within health economics more generally. Specifically, researchers should analyse equity-oriented principles such as equalisation and a 'decent minimum' of capability, rather than presuming that the goal must be the maximisation of capability. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 667-670 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Health Economics |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2008 |
Keywords
- non-welfarism
- welfarism
- capability