Why nudge? : the politics of libertarian paternalism / Cass R. Sunstein.

"Based on a series of pathbreaking lectures given at Yale University in 2012, this powerful, thought-provoking work by national best-selling author Cass R. Sunstein combines legal theory with behavioral economics to make a fresh argument about the legitimate scope of government, bearing on obes...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Online Access: Full Text (via De Gruyter)
Main Author: Sunstein, Cass R. (Author)
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: New Haven : Yale University Press, [2014]
Series:Storrs lectures on jurisprudence ; 2012.
Subjects:
Description
Summary:"Based on a series of pathbreaking lectures given at Yale University in 2012, this powerful, thought-provoking work by national best-selling author Cass R. Sunstein combines legal theory with behavioral economics to make a fresh argument about the legitimate scope of government, bearing on obesity, smoking, distracted driving, health care, food safety, and other highly volatile, high-profile public issues. Behavioral economists have established that people often make decisions that run counter to their best interests-producing what Sunstein describes as "behavioral market failures." Sometimes we disregard the long term; sometimes we are unrealistically optimistic; sometimes we do not see what is in front of us. With this evidence in mind, Sunstein argues for a new form of paternalism, one that protects people against serious errors but also recognizes the risk of government overreaching and usually preserves freedom of choice. Against those who reject paternalism of any kind, Sunstein shows that "choice architecture"--Government-imposed structures that affect our choices-is inevitable, and hence that a form of paternalism cannot be avoided. He urges that there are profoundly moral reasons to ensure that choice architecture is helpful rather than harmful-and that it makes people's lives better and longer"--
Physical Description:1 online resource (viii, 195 pages) : illustrations.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (pages 167-186) and index.
ISBN:9780300206920
0300206925