The math of life: How much should we spend to save a life?

P&C drink and review Purple Monkey Dishwasher, by Evil Genius Beer Company, and then discuss the dread math of human life.

We like to say that every life is infinitely valuable, but we don’t mean it. Are we willing to eat better to extend our lives one year? Are we willing to reduce the national speed limit to 20 mph to save highway deaths? Should we all wear helmets all the time, or PFDs when we swim?

There’s clearly a calculus to life. We’re willing to spend a certain amount to save a life, but there are limits.

Coronavirus has put this in sharper perspective. Policymakers are faced with lives saved vs. economic consequences. It’s a horrible decision to have to make.