Why nudge? : The politics of libertarian paternalism

Resource Information

The work Why nudge? : The politics of libertarian paternalism represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in European University Institute. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

Why nudge? : The politics of libertarian paternalism

Title remainder

The politics of libertarian paternalism

Statement of responsibility

Cass R. Sunstein

Creator

• Sunstein, Cass R

Subject

• Choice (Psychology) -- Economic aspects -- United States
• Consumer behavior -- Political aspects -- United States
• Libertarianism -- United States
• Paternalism -- Political aspects -- United States

Language

eng

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"--

Member of

• Storrs lectures on jurisprudence

Assigning source

Provided by publisher

Cataloging source

DLC

Dewey number

320.01

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography

Series statement

Storrs lectures on jurisprudence