Worth
Summary
This Radiolab episode explores the concept of "worth" through two distinct stories. First, it examines the skyrocketing costs of cancer and hepatitis drugs, questioning how much society should pay for marginal gains in life expectancy. Second, it investigates U.S. military "condolence payments" to civilians killed in war zones, tracing the history of compensating for collateral damage and the ethical complexities of putting a price on human life.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and Intro
Radiolab Intro: The Value of Life
The Cost of Zaltrap: 42 Days of Life
Sovaldi and the Hepatitis C Crisis
Surveying the Public on Life's Value
Susan Gubar's Cancer Journey
Sponsors and Transition
Yemen Drone Strike and Collateral Damage
Military Amends and Compensation History
Sponsors and Transition
Economic Value of Ecosystems
Hand Pollination in China and Biodiversity
Credits and Outro
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