Torbjörn Tännsjö has published extensively in moral philosophy, political philosophy, and bioethics. His most recent books are Understanding Ethics (Edinburgh UP), a simple introduction to normative ethics, and Taking Life: Three Theories on the Ethics of Killing (OUP, 2015).
In Setting Health-Care Priorities, Torbjorn Tannsjoe examines how the leading ethical theories answer the important practical question suggested in the title of his book. He reaches a startling conclusion: whether we are utilitarians, egalitarians, prioritarians or Rawlsians, we should agree that the way in which health care resources are allocated in all developed countries is wrong. We should spend less on the elderly, and on those suffering from rare diseases, and more on improving mental health. This book is a model of clear philosophical argument leading to an important practical conclusion. It is suitable for students and general readers, but I hope it will also be widely read by those in a position to influence health care policy. -- Peter Singer, Princeton University A perfect example of how clear thinking and a clear objective lead to radically new priorities. -- Richard Layard, London School of Economics