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Rationality and allocating scarce medical resources
1Department of Philosophy, Delta College, University Center, MI 48710, USA.
The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Random selection for scarce medical resources, while seemingly rational, can lead to objectively irrational outcomes. This challenges the idea that such methods are inherently non-rational and ethically justifiable.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health Policy
- Resource Allocation
Background:
- Scarce lifesaving medical resources necessitate allocation systems.
- James Childress proposed random selection as a justifiable method.
- Ethical considerations question the rationality of random selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the rationality of random selection procedures for resource allocation.
- To challenge the claim that random selection is not dismissible as non-rational.
- To compare the rationality of random selection with social worth procedures.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of ethical frameworks.
- Examination of the rationality of random selection procedures.
- Comparative analysis of allocation systems.
Main Results:
- Random selection procedures can lead to objectively irrational choices.
- Social worth procedures are also rationally defensible.
- The rationality of random selection is debatable when considering broader ethical implications.
Conclusions:
- Random selection for scarce medical resources is not inherently free from irrationality.
- Both random selection and social worth systems have rational defenses.
- Careful consideration of outcomes beyond the selection process is crucial for ethical resource allocation.