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Natural selection, health economics and human welfare

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  • Alan Williams

Abstract

In evolutionary physiology the human body is viewed as a resource allocation mechanism working according to a predetermined set of priorities to maximise reproductive capacity. In health economics, people are viewed as having a portfolio of assets (health; wealth; and wisdom) which they manage over their lifespan according to priorities that are intended to maximise the length and quality of that lifespan. This essay explores the similarities and dissimilarities between these two approaches to health (at both the individual and population levels), and concludes that, since natural selection is no longer a significant influence on human demography, we as societies have to adopt conscious resource allocation policies to fill the void. These individual or collective priorities need not be those bequeathed to us by our physiological evolution, but if they do differ we need to be aware of the tensions between them, and of their demographic consequences.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan Williams, 1993. "Natural selection, health economics and human welfare," Working Papers 111chedp, Centre for Health Economics, University of York.
    • Handle: RePEc:chy:respap:111chedp
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    File URL: http://www.york.ac.uk/media/che/documents/papers/discussionpapers/CHE%20Discussion%20Paper%20111.pdf
    File Function: First version, 1993
    Download Restriction: no
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    Keywords

    biological model; economic model;

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