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Unpacking the nudge muddle
1Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada joseph.heath@utoronto.ca.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|August 30, 2023
Summary
Libertarian paternalism originally focused on policy where state coercion was limited, using choice architecture to improve outcomes. This foundational principle was lost when libertarian paternalism evolved into the nudge framework.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral economics
- Public policy
- Decision science
Background:
- Libertarian paternalism initially addressed policy areas respecting individual autonomy, avoiding coercive state intervention.
- The inability to alter the status quo (s-frame) made influencing choices (i-frame) an attractive strategy for improving outcomes.
- This original motivation has been obscured in the evolution towards the broader 'nudge' framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine the foundational principles of libertarian paternalism.
- To clarify the original motivation behind libertarian paternalism in policy design.
- To analyze the transition from libertarian paternalism to the nudge framework and its implications.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of libertarian paternalism and nudge theory.
- Historical review of policy domains where libertarian paternalism was applied.
- Comparative analysis of the 's-frame' and 'i-frame' in choice architecture.
Main Results:
- Libertarian paternalism's initial focus was on non-coercive interventions within autonomy-preserving policy domains.
- The constraint of the 's-frame' (status quo) necessitated manipulation of the 'i-frame' (information/choice environment).
- The transition to the 'nudge' framework diluted the original emphasis on respecting autonomy due to the loss of this specific motivation.
Conclusions:
- The original intent of libertarian paternalism, emphasizing non-coercive influence within restricted policy areas, has been de-emphasized.
- Understanding this historical motivation is crucial for the ethical application of choice architecture.
- Revisiting the origins of libertarian paternalism can inform more nuanced and autonomy-respecting policy interventions.
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