摘要 : Writing a book that addresses an important question in broad perspective poses a substantial challenge to keep the reader interested in the unfamiliar and satisfied with the familiar. Howard Steven Friedman meets the challenge wel... 展开 Writing a book that addresses an important question in broad perspective poses a substantial challenge to keep the reader interested in the unfamiliar and satisfied with the familiar. Howard Steven Friedman meets the challenge well in Ultimate Price: The Value We Place on Life. His chapters explore how public and private institutions as well as individuals value life, whether explicitly or implicitly. The chapters discuss 9/11 compensation, criminal and civil law, environmental regulation, business decisions, life insurance, medical care, and fertility. Although one might not agree fully with either the characterizations or the ostensible ethical implications in all the chapters—and I will return to one area where I disagree strongly— I found the chapters to be generally well informed, thoughtful, and balanced. I think many social science researchers will find this book a worthwhile read for broadening their perspective on the many ways in which society values lives. It will also be a provocative reading in public affairs courses. 收起