Quantification
Human displacements
To measure the greatest human tragedies of our time, we now rely on the number of flights published by the UN for the various conflicts.
Obviously, other measures could be taken into account (such as deaths) to refine or correct this measure.
The value of life
At some point the intrinsic value of a human life will also have to be determined.
Today, enormous sums of money are sometimes paid for some minor medical treatments or for the welfare of animals. Potentially, that money could help large groups of children on the other side of the world.
There is no fault in the individuals who spend their money for their happiness or the goals they believe in. And of course no one, not even a (single) country, can care about the fate of the entire world. Yet there is a shortcoming among leaders who rely on emotional bases or bad faith, to maintain or strengthen unbalances.
However the idea that human lives have intrinsic value is a complex and multifaceted topic. Philosophers, economists, and policymakers have grappled with this issue for centuries. These are some perspectives to consider:
- Intrinsic Value of Life:
The notion that human lives are valuable in and of themselves, regardless of any external consequences, is often used as a foundational premise.
However, proving that lives are intrinsically valuable is challenging because it relies more on intuition than reason.
Some argue that our intrinsic value comes from being created in the image of a higher power (e.g., God), which imbues us with worth.
Others point out that life’s value is not uniform; it varies based on context, cultural norms, and individual circumstances.
- Economic Valuation:
Economists use various methods to assign a monetary value to human life. These calculations help allocate resources efficiently.
The Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) represents the economic benefit of preventing a fatality. In the United States, it’s estimated to be around $5 million.
Policymakers use VSL to make decisions about safety regulations, healthcare spending, and environmental policies.
For instance, investing in safer roads or determining compensation for families of war casualties involves weighing the cost against the value of lives saved.
- Ethical Dilemmas:
The passage you provided highlights ethical dilemmas related to resource allocation.
While individuals spend money on personal happiness, there’s a global responsibility to address pressing issues like poverty and healthcare.
Leaders sometimes prioritize emotional appeals over rational decision-making, which can lead to systemic shortcomings.
Balancing individual well-being with collective welfare remains a challenge.