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What is life worth? A rough guide to valuation
1School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, London, UK.
Medical Anthropology Quarterly
|January 31, 2013
Summary
This article defines life beyond biology and values it without commodification. It explores death as a community process to understand life's intrinsic worth.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Sociology
- Ethics
Background:
- Current definitions of life are primarily biological.
- Valuation of life is often linked to economic or commodified metrics.
- Understanding death is crucial for defining life's value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a non-biological definition of life.
- To establish a non-commodified valuation of life.
- To explore the relationship between death, community, and the worth of life.
Main Methods:
- Speculative and philosophical inquiry.
- Conceptual analysis of life and death.
- Community-based understanding of mortality.
Main Results:
- Life can be conceptualized beyond biological parameters.
- Death is an integral, communal process shaping life's value.
- Intrinsic value of life is revealed through understanding communal death.
Conclusions:
- A non-biological definition of life is possible and valuable.
- Community-embedded understanding of death provides a framework for non-commodified life valuation.
- Rethinking death enhances our appreciation for the non-commodified worth of life.
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