The Manipulation of Choice Ethics and Libertarian Paternalism [Hardcover]

This timely book makes a forceful argument that the analyses from behavioral economists are incomplete, the policies advocated by libertarian paternalists are misguided and unethical, and both actually reinforce the cognitive biases and dysfunctions that motivate 'nudges' in the first place. In a lighthearted manner, the author points out critical flaws in the way economists model decision-making, how behavioral economics failed to correct them, and how they led to the problems with libertarian paternalism and nudges. Sprinkled throughout with anecdotes, examples, and references to a wide range of scholarly literature, this new volume argues against the use of paternalistic nudges by the government and makes a positive case for individual choice and autonomy.
The Problem with Economic Models of Choice How Behavioral Economists Make These Problems Worse, Not Better How Behavioral Economics Met Law-and-Economics and Begat Nudge Why Nudge Can't Work Why Nudge Is Unethical Why Nudge Will Backfire in the Long Run Why Nudge is Paternalistic (and Hardly Libertarian) - and Why Paternalism Is Wrong Why Choice is Valuable and Should Be Yours to Make

The 'libertarian paternalism' theory promises to use the state to help correct citizens' wrong decisions without asking their consent, yet also without truly entering the realm of coercion. Too good to be true? Indeed it is, as this book helps to show. Mark White gives us the sort of analysis we need to nudge back. - Walter Olson, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute, USA

The Manipulation of Choice states that paternalists impose their own values and goals onto hapless consumers and citizens. Hence, public policies lS!