Philosophy 230
Short Essay Topic:  Dworkin's "Prudent Insurance" approach to resource allocation
Due Tuesday, May 4th (day of final exam)

Dworkin's "Prudent Insurance" Approach

Your task in this 3-5 page (typed, double-spaced) essay is to set out and critically evaluate
Dworkin's "prudent insurance" approach to medical resource allocation.  In developing your
discussion, you should be sure to answer carefully the following questions:

       --How does Dworkin describe the fundamental problem that his "prudent insurance"
             ideal is meant to solve?

       --What is the "prudent insurance" ideal?  What exactly is involved in using this ideal
             to answer questions regarding allocation of medical resources?

       --How does Dworkin defend this ideal?  Why does he think it superior to alternatives?

       --How might Dworkin's approach deal with the questions raised in the case of Christine
                Demeurers or other controversial cases of resource allocation?

Once you have set out Dworkin's approach with attention to these questions, develop a
critical evaluation of it.  Explain what you think is the most serious potential objection against
this approach.  How might Dworkin best deal with this objection?  What conclusions can
you draw from your discussion regarding how to make decisions about allocating scarce
medical resources.

Note:  Please feel free to ask for my help as you're working on your essay.  I'll be happy to
            answer your questions.  I'll even read an outline or a rough draft and give you some ideas
            for what might improve it.

Please review my comments on plagiarism in the syllabus. Minimum penalty for intentionally
            plagiarized work is an 'F' in the course.   If you consult any sources (other than our text)
             in writing the essay, you must include a bibliography that cites all the sources you used.

Essays will be due Tuesday, May 4th (the day of the final exam)