Normative ethics frameworks determine allocation priority
Multi-value frameworks are required for allocation systems to be ethically defensible. However, ethically valid principles often conflict with each other.
“Although some are better than others, no single principle allocates interventions justly. Rather, morally relevant simple principles must be combined into multiprinciple allocation systems.”
Treating People Equally
- Kidney Allocation
- “First-come, first serve”
- Lottery
Maximizing Total Benefits
- Military Triage
- Saving Lives
- Ventilator Rationing
- Saving Life-Years
Prioritarianism
- Liver Allocation (MELD score)
- Sickest First
- Pediatric priority (Kidney Allocation)
- Youngest First
Rewarding Social Usefulness
- COVID-19 Phase 1A vaccine allocation
- Reciprocity
- Instrumental Value