TY - JOUR PY - 2021// TI - The option value of life JO - Economics and philosophy A1 - Burri, Susanne SP - 118 EP - 138 VL - 37 IS - 1 N2 - This paper argues that under conditions of uncertainty, there is frequently a positive option value to staying alive when compared to the alternative of dying right away. This value can make it prudentially rational for you to stay alive even if it appears highly unlikely that you have a bright future ahead of you. Drawing on the real options approach to investment analysis, the paper explores the conditions under which there is a positive option value to staying alive, and it draws out important implications for the problems of suicide and euthanasia.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0266-2671 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0266267120000061 ID - ref1 ER -