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Altruism and Unscientific Medical Behavior: An Economic View on Homeopathic Dilutions

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  • Brendon Andrews

    (University of Alberta)

Abstract

The homeopathic practice of diluting medications by factors of 100 raised to the power of 12, 30, or even higher is unscientific. Why might a healthcare provider choose to follow such a doctrine? This short article uses an economic model of provider behavior including altruism for patients to argue that both cost-reduction and well-meaning concern can explain the practice’s adoption in the early nineteenth century. Altruistic behavior consistent with high dilutions is predicted when undiluted treatment benefits are negative, even when homeopaths are overconfident and believe otherwise, and can reduce patient harm. Homeopathic practice choice is most attractive in this context to altruistic, steadily overconfident low-quality healthcare providers. Related modern treatment settings can be constructed which imply policy-relevant research directions.

Suggested Citation

  • Brendon Andrews, 2025. "Altruism and Unscientific Medical Behavior: An Economic View on Homeopathic Dilutions," Working Papers 2025-07, University of Alberta, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:albaec:021640
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    File URL: https://sites.ualberta.ca/~econwps/2025/wp2025-07.pdf
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    JEL classification:

    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • J44 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Professional Labor Markets and Occupations
    • N31 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913

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