The Expressive Function of Healthcare

Abstract This paper aims to square our considered judgements about the moral significance of healthcare with various empirical and conceptual challenges its role in a theory justice. I do so by defending reference central but neglected dimension – healthcare’s expressive function. Over above influence on health outcomes other metrics justice (such as opportunity or welfare), despite relatively limited impact population outcomes, expresses respect for individuals distinctive morally salient way. Grounding this way not only highlights an important distinguishing feature healthcare, it also makes support immune from several powerful objections against significance. conclusion has implications theorists (health) political philosophers more widely, highlighting appropriate within public policy normative theorising theories