This paper argues that under conditions of uncertainty, there is frequently a positive option value to staying alive when compared to the alternative of dying right away. This value can make it prudentially rational for you to stay alive even if it appears highly unlikely that you have a bright future ahead of you. Drawing on the real options approach to investment analysis, the paper explores the conditions under which there is a positive option value to staying alive, and it draws out important implications for the problems of suicide and euthanasia.

中文翻译：

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生命的期权价值

本文认为，在不确定的情况下，与立即死亡的选择相比，保持活着的选择价值通常是积极的。这个价值可以让你在审慎合理的情况下保持活力，即使你面前似乎不太可能有光明的未来。本文利用实物期权方法进行投资分析，探讨了在何种条件下期权具有积极的生存价值，并得出了对自杀和安乐死问题的重要启示。