Public Health Ethics

The study of public health aims to protect and promote the wellbeing of the public as well as reduce health inequalities. Public health ethics asks how far we should go to achieve these goals, balancing the rights and needs of individuals against those of the community. But what are these and how much weight should be given to each of them?

In the third edition of his well-loved textbook, Stephen Holland shows how philosophy is key to evaluating the suitability of public health interventions. Holland explores the key goals of public health ethics in relation to both moral and political philosophy, reflecting on our everyday intuitions about which public health policies are justified. In light of recent developments, he includes new content exploring equity and health inequalities, and on how public health information is gathered and used. The book is updated throughout with material on contemporary cases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Health Ethics continues to provide a lively, accessible and philosophically informed introduction. As well as being an ideal student text, Holland’s systematic discussion will engage the more advanced reader and inform scholarship in the field.

Stephen Holland is Professor in the Departments of Philosophy and Health Sciences at the University of York.

Introduction

PART I: Moral and Political Philosophy
Introduction to Part I
1 Consequentialism
2 Non-consequentialism
3 Liberal Political Philosophy
4 Beyond Traditional Liberalism
Part I Summary

PART II: Fundamental Aspects of Public Health
Introduction to Part II
5 Epidemiology and Public Health Information
6 Health Concepts

PART III: Public Health Activities
Introduction to Part III
7 Health Promotion as Behaviour Modification
8 Harm Reduction
9 Immunization
10 Screening

Concluding Remarks

References
Index