Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Honorary Research Professor of Medical Ethics and the Philosophy of Psychiatry, University of Aberdeen; Ereritus Professor of Social Medicine, University of Aberdeen

"'The importance and originality of this book is that it now supplies a clearly argued ethical analysis of the complex medical, social and moral dimensions of this perceived crisis, leaving attentive readers in no doubt that the fundamental questions raised for society are indeed moral ones. The authors of this book have opened up significant new perspectives on many important issues which in practice confront politicians, managers, professionals, patients and the public today. They have done this moreover in a way that is highly accessible to a non-specialist readership. Eric Matthews and Elizabeth Russell are to be congratulated on this major achievement, and this book is to be highly commended to everyone concerned with the future of health care.' Kenneth Boyd, in his foreword"

• Perception of crisis. The costs of aging. The moral foundations of publicly funded medical care. Ethics and the crisis. Daniels and the 'Prudent Lifespan' account. Ethics and resource allocation. Callahan and the significance of age. Critique of Callahan. Crisis of aging? Policy implications.