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Eliciting preferences and respecting values: Why ask?

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  • Hausman, Daniel M.

Abstract

This essay explores the pitfalls and ambiguities in relying on preference elicitation to value health states, and it distinguishes preference elicitation, as a fallible method of measuring well-being, from public consultation, as an element of public deliberation. After distinguishing preference elicitation as a method of ascertaining opinions from preference elicitation as a method of measuring well-being, it points out that preferences depend on beliefs and the considerations speaking in favor of deferring to people's values do not carry over to deferring to their beliefs. Instead of valuing health states by their bearing on well-being, as measured by preferences, this essay argues for valuing health states by their bearing on activity limitations and suffering, as determined by public deliberation.

Suggested Citation

  • Hausman, Daniel M., 2023. "Eliciting preferences and respecting values: Why ask?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:320:y:2023:i:c:s0277953623000679
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115711
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brazier, John & Ratcliffe, Julie & Salomon, Joshua & Tsuchiya, Aki, 2016. "Measuring and Valuing Health Benefits for Economic Evaluation," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780198725923, Decembrie.
    2. Hausman,Daniel M., 2012. "Preference, Value, Choice, and Welfare," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107015432, June.
    3. Daniels, Norman & Sabin, James E., 2008. "Setting Limits Fairly: Learning to share resources for health," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780195325959, Decembrie.
    4. Paul Dolan & Daniel Kahneman, 2008. "Interpretations Of Utility And Their Implications For The Valuation Of Health," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 118(525), pages 215-234, January.
    5. Paul Dolan, 1999. "Whose Preferences Count?," Medical Decision Making, , vol. 19(4), pages 482-486, October.
    6. Baker, Rachel & Mason, Helen & McHugh, Neil & Donaldson, Cam, 2021. "Public values and plurality in health priority setting: What to do when people disagree and why we should care about reasons as well as choices," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    7. Hausman,Daniel M., 2012. "Preference, Value, Choice, and Welfare," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107695122, June.
    8. repec:bla:econom:v:46:y:1979:i:182:p:137-47 is not listed on IDEAS
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