Asymmetric paternalism is
asymmetric in the sense of helping individuals who are prone to making irrational de- cisions while not harming those making informed
, delib- erate decisions. Asymmetric paternalism differs from heavy- handed paternalism in attempting to help individuals without limiting freedom of choice.
What is Libertarian paternalism and how does it relate to nudges?
In particular, libertarian paternalism is said to be ‘libertarian’
because nudges arguably do not interfere with the freedom of choice
2
; and ‘paternalist’ because the interventions in question are ‘pro-self’ in the sense of aiming to steer people’s behaviour in a private welfare-promoting directions.
Do Libertarians believe in paternalism?
Libertarians embrace freedom of choice
, and so they deplore paternalism. 3 Paternalists are thought to be deeply skeptical of freedom of choice and to deplore libertarianism. 4 According to the conventional wisdom, libertarians cannot possibly embrace paternalism.
Who came up with libertarian paternalism?
The two most prominent leaders in this movement are Richard Thaler of the University of Chicago, winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in economics, and the
Harvard Law Professor Cass Sunstein
, who have advanced—most notably in their book Nudge–what they problematically call Libertarian Paternalism.
What is meant by libertarian paternalism?
Libertarian paternalism is the idea that
it is both possible and legitimate for private and public institutions to affect behavior while also respecting freedom of choice
, as well as the implementation of that idea.
Who invented paternalism?
History of paternalism
The term paternalism first appeared in the late 19th century as an implied critique predicated on the inherent value of personal liberty and autonomy, positions elegantly outlined by Immanuel Kant in 1785 and
John Stuart Mill in 1859
.
What is the libertarian philosophy?
Libertarians seek to maximize autonomy and political freedom, emphasizing free association, freedom of choice, individualism and voluntary association. Libertarians share a skepticism of authority and state power, but some libertarians diverge on the scope of their opposition to existing economic and political systems.
What is legal paternalism?
The Definition of Legal Paternalism
I define the “legal paternalism” as
the use of coercive laws and policies in the attempt to keep people from engaging in risky behavior that may harm them
. (Examples include bans on smoking and drugs or laws mandating the use of seat belts).
What is behavioral economics theory?
Behavioral economics
combines elements of economics and psychology to understand how and why people behave the way they do in the real world
. It differs from neoclassical economics, which assumes that most people have well-defined preferences and make well-informed, self-interested decisions based on those preferences.
What is hard paternalism?
“Hard” paternalism—
understood (preliminarily) as restricting a competent adult’s liberty for his own good under conditions that “violate his autonomy”
—is rejected as morally wrong by the majority of liberal theorists who write on the paternalism issue.
How do nudges work?
Nudging techniques aim
to use judgmental heuristics to the advantage of the party that is creating the set of choices
. In other words, a nudge alters the environment so that when heuristic, or System 1, decision-making is used, the resulting choice will be the most positive or desired outcome.
What is economic choice architecture?
Choice architecture refers to
the physical and symbolic environment that faces decision-makers at the point where they make a decision
. … Behavioural economists are interested in how choice architecture can be manipulated by policy makers to improve economic welfare.
What is paternalism quizlet?
Paternalism.
The action of making decisions on someones behalf for their own benefit
. Infringe on liberty to protect harm (physical, psychological) being done to self or others.
Why paternalism is bad?
According to the dominant view,
paternalism is wrong when it interferes with a person’s autonomy
. For example, suppose that I throw away your cream cakes because I believe that eating them is bad for your health. This paternalistic action is wrong when it interferes with your autonomous decision to eat cream cakes.
Is paternalism ever justified?
Most people would agree that paternalism is
justified
when dealing with a person whose freedom of choice is seriously impaired or limited, be it due to coercion, a person’s limited cognitive capacities, ignorance of the facts, the effects of a disease such as Alzheimer’s, or the influence of drugs.
