Final answer:
The choice between measuring the health of a country using GDP or the Happiness Index depends on the perspective and priorities of the society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The choice of measuring the health of a country using either GDP or the Happiness Index depends on the perspective and priorities of the society. GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, is a measure of the economic output of a country and is commonly used to assess the standard of living. However, GDP only provides a rough indicator and does not consider factors such as leisure, environmental quality, health, education, or the subjective value society may place on certain aspects of well-being.
The Happiness Index, on the other hand, focuses on subjective well-being and measures the overall happiness and satisfaction of individuals. It takes into account factors such as life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and corruption levels.
Both GDP and the Happiness Index have their limitations and strengths. GDP primarily measures material wealth and economic output, while the Happiness Index reflects the overall well-being of a society. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the values and priorities of the country and its citizens.