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DanTex

(20,709 posts)
7. The purpose of collecting it is to discourage harmful activities and compensate society.
Tue Mar 26, 2013, 12:23 PM
Mar 2013

It is the same principle as taxing pollution.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigovian_tax

The "statistical value of human life" is unpleasant-sounding but necessary concept in certain policy areas. For example, the lower the speed limit, the less people that get killed. So, in order to determine the ideal speed limit, you need to somehow be able weigh the economic benefits of faster transportation and shipping, versus the loss of human life. (there are other considerations like pollution, etc., but you get the idea).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_of_life

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