The Essay - Doctoring Philosophy

Professor Jonathan Wolff marks the 60th anniversary of the NHS by exploring and questioning the philosophical beliefs which led to its foundation

The Essay - Doctoring Philosophy - Entitlement

Prof Jonathan Wolff explores the consequences of the change in healthcare philosophy that the NHS has brought about, as charity was replaced by the concept of entitlement.

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The Essay - Doctoring Philosophy - Equality

Prof Jonathan Wolff asks how successful the NHS has been in reducing health inequalities between different socio-economic groups and considers its philosophy of equality of care.

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The Essay - Doctoring Philosophy - Health

Jonathan Wolff asks whether health is an intrinsic good, charting changing definitions of sickness and health from Descartes to RD Laing and asking how it can be and quantified.

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The Essay - Doctoring Philosophy - Utility

Prof Jonathan Wolff looks back at the philosopher Bentham's utilitarian principles and asks how an overstretched health service should prioritise when all needs cannot be met.

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