As clinical as it sounds to express the value of human lives, health, or the environment in cold dollars and
cents, cost-benefit analysis requires it. More disturbingly, this approach is being embraced by a growing number
of politicians and conservative pundits as the most reasonable way to make many policy decisions regarding public
health and the environment.
By systematically refuting the economic algorithms and illogical assumptions that cost-benefit analysts flaunt
as fact, Priceless tells a "gripping story about how solid science has been shoved to the backburner by bean
counters with ideological blinders" (In These Times). Ackerman and Heinzerling argue that decisions about health
and safety should be made "to reflect not economists' numbers, but democratic values, chosen on moral grounds.
This is a vividly written book, punctuated by striking analogies, a good deal of outrage, and a nice dose of humor".
Essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of human health and environmental protection, Priceless
"shines a bright light on obstacles that stand in the way of good government decision.